Senior Citizens Day: A Senior Volunteer Committed to Supporting Her Community

Published On: August 21st, 2023By Categories: Stories3.4 min read

In honor of National Senior Citizens Day, we spoke to a recently retired volunteer who uses her free time to give back. After retiring, Stephanie found purpose through volunteering with local organizations like Feeding San Diego. She started volunteering at Feeding San Diego in January 2023. Now, she volunteers every week in Feeding San Diego’s Marketplace, a space where the community can shop for no-cost groceries. We asked her what inspires her to volunteer and how it feels to help other seniors in the community.

A woman with white hair wearing a shirt that reads "I am Feeding San Diego"

Stephanie, during a recent volunteer shift

Following the Urge to Do More

“I’ve been retired for a year. I do some work with the homeless, and I thought, ‘I have more time on my hands, and I’m very able to help.’ Then I saw Feeding San Diego in the San Diego Union-Tribune, an article about how you needed volunteers. And I thought, ‘I can do that. I can help,’” Stephanie explained. “I started with food sorting. Then the Marketplace came up on the volunteer opportunities page. I liked it so much, and they asked me if I’d like to do it on a regular basis. I’ve been in the Marketplace every Tuesday ever since.”

The Feeding San Diego Marketplace allows community members to shop for no-cost groceries. Volunteers and staff work together to offer a convenient and dignified shopping experience.

“I like my friends that I work with,” Stephanie said when asked why she keeps returning. “I like all the people that come. There’s seniors, there’s young people, there’s people who are new to this country. It’s a good feeling to help out. It’s not a lot, just a couple of bags of groceries, but they’re so appreciative. And it helps them a lot. And it’s always a surprise to see what we have. It’s very well-rounded. People like the snacks and the bread. They go crazy for the bread.”

 

A woman with white hair stocking the shelves of Feeding San Diego's Marketplace

Stephanie in the Marketplace

Addressing Senior Hunger

For many seniors, limited incomes and rising inflation make shopping for food difficult. According to Feeding America, 1 in 14 seniors were food insecure in 2021. That amounts to about 5.5 million seniors. For Stephanie, helping other seniors adds to her passion for volunteering.

“It’s a really good feeling to know that we’re here to help seniors, especially seniors who are on a limited income,” Stephanie added. “You see how grateful they are and how much it helps them. It’s just a good feeling. By working here, you see how much it helps and how people need to have the extra food and be able to shop here. I’m happy to do it, and I’m glad I found it.”

Calling All Seniors!

We asked Stephanie what she would say to other seniors and retirees about volunteering.

“If you have time on your hands and you want to give that to the community and feel good about getting out and meeting new people, volunteer,” she said. “It’s wonderful; it’s enlightening; it’s so gratifying. Even if it’s just once a week, come and try it. It’s worth it. You meet new friends and talk to people. They’re so appreciative of the volunteers.”

“Everybody that works at Feeding San Diego is warm. They’re giving, they’re nice, they’re patient, they’re helpful,” she added. “I’ve met so many nice people there. I would say to a senior: if you’ve got time on your hands and you want to do something good, volunteer. Don’t stay at home.”

How to Help on Senior Citizens Day

Without intervention, Feeding America expects the number of seniors experiencing food insecurity to reach 7 million by 2050. By acting today, you can make a difference for seniors facing hunger. Whether you volunteer your time or donate funds, you can join Stephanie in making a difference for your community. Join us in ending hunger through food rescue!