Volunteer Spotlight | Zainab

Today we are highlighting Zainab Khan, one of our amazing and dedicated Research Assistant Volunteers.

Zainab has been a Research Assistant Volunteer with Food Banks Mississauga for two years now. As a Research Assistant Volunteer, Zainab administers surveys over the phone and in-person with our food bank visitors in our network of over 60+ food programs. 

“I was surprised by how willing people were to open up, even in a short phone interview. Their trust was humbling, and it reminded me how powerful it can be simply to ask someone how they’re doing—and really listen.”

In this role, Zainab not only participated in vital research that helped Food Banks Mississauga expand our ability to provide food access, but also gained insight into poverty and hunger issues in Mississauga. 

“My experience last year was deeply eye-opening,” she says.

“I learned that food insecurity affects a wide range of people—not just those we might typically expect. Many clients were employed, caring for families, or navigating health issues.”

Looking for an impactful way to get involved in food policy research, Zainab first learned about Food Banks Mississauga through a simple search online. She says she was drawn to Food Banks Mississauga because it combined two of her interests: community service and research. 

“The opportunity to engage directly with clients, listen to their experiences, and contribute to data that would help improve food support services felt both purposeful and impactful.”

Therefore, it was an easy decision for Zainab to return to Food Banks Mississauga to volunteer, she says. 

“After my first year, I knew right away I wanted to return. This work wasn’t just important but it also felt personal. Every conversation was different, but they all revealed the human side of systemic issues that I knew only through textbooks and lecture slides.”  

One moment that really stayed with Zainab was her conversation with a single mother who had recently moved to Canada. 

“She told me how grateful she was for the food bank, not just for the groceries, but for the sense of dignity and support it provided. She said, “It makes me feel like I’m not alone.” That stuck with me and reinforced the idea that research isn’t just about numbers—it’s about stories, and making sure those stories are heard.” 

As a result of her work, Zainab encourages others to volunteer with Food Banks Mississauga as a Research Assistant. 

“It’s a unique way to connect with the community, contribute to meaningful change, and grow personally. You learn to communicate with empathy, to be present, and to understand issues from the perspective of those directly affected.”  

“It’s more than volunteering—it’s a chance to be part of something that matters.”