Each week, we like to shine a spotlight on our amazing volunteers, donors, & New Albany Pantry Leadership team so that we can give our community a glimpse of what it is like to work at a non-profit such as the New Albany Food Pantry.
This week we are featuring a Q&A Session with our NAPLS Coordinator, Renee Orozco.
Q: How long have you been in this role? / How long have you been at the NAFP?
A: Five years.
Q: What made you choose to do this role?
A: I truly enjoy working with students. I enjoy teaching them about food insecurity in Suburbia. In addition I enjoy guiding them through the process of learning about the various populations that use NAFP's services and support systems.
Q: What do you wish people knew about the pantry? / about your position at the pantry?
A: I wish people understood that food insecurity is growing at an alarming rate in suburbs. And that the stereotypes of hunger and need are no longer true or relevant. I want folks to understand that stigma and stereotypes keeps folks from getting the support they need. I want folks to understand that food pantries are not always long term needs and that folks may need us for ER situations, medical, DV situations and more - there is NO ONE way of seeking support at the pantry.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your position?
A: Working with people of all cultures and life experiences - working to make their lives easier, more equitable and more just through support and validation. Working with volunteers whose hearts are as big as the sky and who's own personal stories inform their dedication. Working with students who are interested in furthering social justice in our community.
Q: What is the most fulfilling part of your job at the pantry?
A: Making a difference in our community by bringing awareness of the realities of food insecurity to our affluent community. Working to dispel myths and stereotypes - by smashing stigma through dignity and open hearts.
Q: What do you spend the majority of your time doing for your role?
A: Outreach, community relations, talking with students, food drives, Speaking spanish to our neighbors in need, planning and assessing pantry needs.
Q: What have you learned from this position?
A: That need is situational and that need can be-fall anyone of us at any time. To keep an open mind and open heart always. That everyone has a personal journey and that coming to a food pantry is an act of strength and dignity! Asking for support is about community building - we are all our brothers and sister's keepers!
Q: What was the hardest thing/project that you’ve had to do?
A: The Hardest project is ....as yet unknown. Every project has its pluses and minuses but if they work to build up the pantry...then I am all in!
Q: On a scale from 1-10 how much do you enjoy your role?
A: A solid 10! I love everything about the important work we do at NAFP! I love the community building we create and I love our clients!
Through this interview, we hope that we can provide a little bit of a deeper understanding of what goes into working at our food pantry.
Be sure to check back here for next week’s behind the scenes look at the Pantry.