Q&A with Sue Lowcock, Female Volunteer Spotlight in Honor of Women’s History Month

I was working at a nearby community health center, and we ran a monthly mobile market; that led me to learn more about food insecurity. I wanted to find a volunteer opportunity that I could do with my kid, and we signed up to be home delivery volunteers for the Newton Food Pantry in 2019!

What is your favorite volunteer task at the Newton Food Pantry?

I love chatting with clients in Chinese and having a special connection with them. I also love talking with clients about their favorite recipes. It always makes me hungry, but I love it!

How has working for the Newton Food Pantry impacted you?

It helped me feel more connected to my own community and led me to do more within the city. I think it’s easy for immigrants like me to feel like outsiders, and personally, I’m very glad that I have made the decision to step in and join the volunteer team.

Why do you think diversity is important in places like food pantries? 

Diversity is a reality. It is a reality that the majority of the pantry’s clients are non-U.S. born, non-native English speakers, BIPOC folks. I am so glad and proud of all the things that the Newton Food Pantry is doing, and will continue to do, to bridge the divide between volunteers, clients and donors. 

Are you involved in the community in other ways?

Currently, I serve on the Newton Human Rights Commission. I’m also volunteering with Greater Boston PFLAG. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

I started doing pottery a few months ago; it’s a completely new thing for me and I feel connected to the creative part of me that has been asleep for years! 

“Working on improving our diversity and inclusion is a long-term project, and I’m so happy that the Newton Food Pantry is committed to doing that.” — Sue Lowcock