We caught up with Sarah Shugrue, a Foundation Program Officer who volunteers with the Worcester County Food Bank as a member of the Board of Directors.
GWCF: Why are issues of food insecurity important to you?
SS:
As a kid, I spent summers volunteering with my
babci
(Polish for grandmother)
,
visiting seniors in our community who lived alone and often didn't have enough to eat. We'd bring lunch and watch "The Golden Girls." These experiences taught me that food brings folks together and breaks down barriers.
Years later, my
babci
found herself in need of care. Our family relied on compassionate folks for aid. In life, you find yourself being both a receiver and a giver.
To be able to honor my
babci
by giving some of my time to the Food Bank is something I hold dear.
GWCF: What insights have you gained through your Board experience?
SS:
In order to truly end hunger in our community we must understand that food is a basic human right and examine root causes leading to hunger. Food Bank initiatives like SNAP outreach and Breakfast in the Classroom, and their advocacy to raise the minimum wage do more than help relieve hunger
now
. These are essential efforts that create long-term changes.
