Volunteer Spotlight | Olivia

“I suppose that before you are in a food bank environment, it’s easy to have preconceived notions about the type of person who accesses a food bank. Since my volunteer experience, I’ve seen that all kinds of people access the food banks for extra support. Not only that, but every person has a story, so it is important to set aside your bias and continue to support your community. I know for myself, I have definitely become a more compassionate person since volunteering with Food Banks Mississauga.”

Olivia, a second-year Health Sciences student at Western University, has been volunteering with us since she finished her school year this past spring. She interviewed food bank visitors as a Volunteer Research Assistant, and also volunteers with our Community Assist program, where she does the intake for folks who come seeking food support from Food Banks Mississauga. In both of these roles, Olivia’s empathy and compassion shine through as she builds trust with our neighbours experiencing food insecurity.

Olivia was first motivated to volunteer at a food bank when she learned about food insecurity in Canada during one of her courses, “Social Determinants of Health.” When her professor shared how many students experience food insecurity during their studies, Olivia knew she wanted to do something that could potentially help some of her peers and friends. Thanks to a quick Google search, Olivia was able to find an opportunity to give back – with us, right in her hometown of Mississauga.

“I remember my second or third shift on Community Assist, a father and son came into the food bank. The son was roughly about my age, and I remember the pair making jokes and laughing with me; it made my experience much smoother and allowed us to connect and relate to each other. They had mentioned how they had never been to a food bank before, and so I did my best to ease their anxiety. It was the first time that I had connected to one of the clients coming into the food bank, and it’s allowed me to come out of my shell with other people that I continue to meet during my time on Community Assist. Overall, I will never forget them, and how it felt more like catching up with friends than sitting in a food bank.”

Olivia speaks very highly of her volunteer experience with Food Banks Mississauga. It has given her the opportunity to meet so many different types of people and hear their stories. At the end of every Community Assist volunteer shift, Olivia feels fulfilled, knowing she has done something to help her neighbours. She also shares that her experiences have helped her to stay compassionate, kind, and well-rounded.

“I would recommend volunteering with Food Banks Mississauga to anyone who wants to give back!”