Samantha has become a familiar face at the Food Bank by volunteering at food recovery gleanings, inventory projects, cleanup efforts, and special events.

“I pride myself on trying to stay current with what’s happening in the world and seeing where I can fit in. Not just being someone who talks about how bad it is, but actually trying to make a difference.”

Spending time at the Food Bank has helped Samantha recognize that food insecurity affects more people than many realize.

“The face of food insecurity has changed,” she said.

“Your neighbors, people you think have everything and are living in a house, are probably living in a house with an empty refrigerator.”

Whether she’s helping recover food or preparing inventory, Samantha believes every effort matters.

“If you do the small steps in what you can do, that builds and rolls,” she said.

“At least I’m not doing nothing. I’m making some sort of difference.”