Volunteering at Mission Belly Full allows me an opportunity to combine my love of cooking and giving back to the community. Offering a meal is providing a small lifeline and connection to those who are going through a difficult time. Food is something that brings people together universally. As a nurse, my profession is to help heal the body. Food is a way to help heal the soul.

Tuesday morning is the high point of my week since I discovered Mission Belly-full. As a volunteer I get to indulge my favorite hobby - food prep and cooking - under the guidance of capable and talented chefs, Mabel and Doris. It is extremely satisfying to know that my efforts are helping to alleviate the food insecurities of so many fellow Long Islanders. There is a fringe benefit. The atmosphere at Mission Belly-full is one of caring, generosity, and professionalism. We also laugh a lot. Thank you Mabel and Doris, and also Jonathan, the originator, I think, of this project, for providing a thoroughly satisfying and worthwhile volunteer experience for myself and for the community of Long Island.

I love volunteering at Mission Belly Full. I enjoy cooking the food and knowing that it helps put smiles on people’s faces when it’s delivered. Being at Mission Belly Full makes me happy, especially spending time with Mabel and the other volunteers. It feels good to be a part of something that helps others.