On a recent Sunday afternoon, a line of people wound around the block in Culver City, California, as Angelenos waited to receive grocery bags filled with fresh produce like squash, tomatoes, and loaves of bread. This food giveaway, organized by young volunteers, took place in the parking lot of the Wood Cafe, which has been closed since the early days of the pandemic. As highlighted in a New York Times article, these efforts are part of a growing movement among young people to address food insecurity while finding a deeper sense of purpose in their lives.
The food distribution event, led by Demetrios Mavromichalis and urban farmer Natalie Flores, served over a thousand people, a number that continues to grow each week. Mavromichalis attributes the program’s success to the enthusiastic involvement of high school and college-age volunteers. His 19-year-old son, Nikolaos, was recently appointed secretary of Nourish LA, the group managing the initiative.
“It’s just a thrill to see my neighbors again,” Nikolaos said. “It’s not like a ‘handout of food to the needy,’ but rather sharing food with neighbors and friends.” This sentiment highlights the program’s mission: to create a sense of community rather than just providing charity.
Despite the positive energy of the volunteers, the situation faced by many families remains dire. The pandemic has created a “hidden epidemic of hunger in America,” as described by Crystal FitzSimons, a director with the Food Research and Action Center. A report from the Northwestern University Institute for Policy Research revealed that food insecurity in the United States has doubled overall and tripled among households with children compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Volunteering is not just about helping others; it also offers significant benefits to those who give their time. Research shows that volunteering can enhance empathy, reduce the risk of depression, provide a sense of purpose, and even improve physical health. According to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, individuals who volunteer regularly experience lower levels of stress and higher levels of life satisfaction. This is particularly relevant during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, when social isolation has been a major concern.
Another study from the Corporation for National and Community Service found that volunteers had a lower risk of mortality and better functional ability, particularly among older adults. The study highlighted that volunteering fosters social connections and helps combat loneliness, which is crucial for mental and emotional well-being.
If you’re inspired by these young volunteers and want to make a difference in your community, there are several ways to get started:
- Find Local Food Distribution Programs: Many communities have food banks or distribution programs that rely on Websites like Feeding America can help you find local opportunities.
- Start a Community Garden: If you have access to a garden or green space, consider starting a community garden to grow fresh produce for those in need. The American Community Gardening Association offers resources to help you get started.
- Volunteer Virtually: If you’re unable to volunteer in person, consider virtual Organizations like United Nations Volunteers offer online opportunities to make a global impact from your home.
- Support Through Donations: If you cannot volunteer your time, consider donating to organizations that are fighting hunger, such as World Central Kitchen or No Kid Hungry.
When sports were canceled at Acalanes High School in the San Francisco Bay Area due to the pandemic, students like Owen Estee and Zach Appel found new ways to contribute. They offered lacrosse lessons to teens and donated their fees to White Pony Express, a local group delivering food to community organizations serving the hungry. Zach reflected on the impact, saying, “I realized how many people are like that, and maybe we can help them out.”
The future of our communities—and perhaps even our democracy—may depend on restoring this ethic of mutual caring. James Youniss, emeritus professor of psychology at the Catholic University of America, participated in a 2007 study showing that students who engaged in service projects in high school volunteered more often and voted in higher numbers later in life. This suggests that volunteering not only helps individuals find purpose but also fosters civic engagement and social responsibility.
What steps are you taking to fight hunger or support your community? We’d love to hear your stories and ideas. Join the conversation in our Age Brilliantly Forum and connect with others who are making a difference. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change.