“As one person, I feel like the one thing I can do something about is food,” said Eric Veale, a regular volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
After his retirement in March of 2024 from the Central Florida Expressway Authority, Eric finds it to be a valuable and rewarding use of time to volunteer at Second Harvest’s Mercy Kitchen every Tuesday.
He said his nurse practitioner recommended volunteering as a healthy way to remain active, specifically at a food bank or a library. So, Eric did both.
“It makes me feel good,” Eric said. “I signed up for every Tuesday through the end of the year.”
He started volunteering at the warehouse, but found the meal-preparation shifts at Mercy Kitchen most enjoyable. He likes the air conditioning, music and meeting new people.
“I know all the people who work the 8-11 shift and their names,” Eric said of his fellow morning volunteers.
He grew up in a low-income household and understands the importance of the fight against hunger.
“A lot of times, I could tell when we were struggling to eat,” he said. “It’s rewarding to leave here feeling like I gave something to someone.”
Eric also likes Second Harvest’s mission and role in helping people in the community.
“It’s educational knowing where all the food is distributed to,” he said. “It’s a great organization. What people do here is fantastic, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Expect to see Eric volunteering at the food bank for the foreseeable future. He even plans to add an extra shift every week in the new year.
“As long as I’m healthy, I expect to continue,” he said.
Second Harvest offers plenty of volunteer opportunities that are fun and unique ways for individuals and groups to contribute their time, talents and resources to help neighbors facing hunger.
