Q&A with Leticia Meza-Riedewald, BIPOC Volunteer Spotlight in Honor of Black History Month

Newton is supposedly a very affluent community, and working for the pantry has shown me that there is also a lot of food insecurity in our city.

How does it make you feel to interact with those of your identity or culture?

Sharing my language with some of our clients helps them to feel more welcomed; it reminds us that we are all in this together. I am glad I can support our Spanish monolingual clients. 

What do you like to do in your free time? 

I love to knit, you might even find me knitting when I volunteer as a greeter, too!

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

I love (crazy me!!) sweeping the pantry floor because I feel that a clean floor gives us all a sense of dignity in what we do.

 

 

“Need does not discriminate against the color of your skin or the language you speak. By volunteering, I want to be a reminder that people who look like me can offer assistance too, not only be in need of assistance.” – Leticia meza Riedewald