At Philabundance, we’re fortunate to have incredible volunteers who go above and beyond to help fight hunger. One of our volunteers, Garth, is a retiree who has dedicated the last 4-5 years to making a difference in the community. Garth’s journey began with a simple desire: to stay active and contribute to the greater good.
After retiring, Garth wanted to find meaningful ways to be involved in his community. He began volunteering at various organizations, but it wasn’t until he started at our Hunger Relief Center in South Philadelphia that he found a cause that truly resonated with him. For the past 2-3 years, Garth has helped pack and sort non-perishable food items and supported the HUB, ensuring our partners have fresh produce to distribute to families and individuals across our service area.
Garth’s dedication grew even further when, during a volunteer break, our CEO Loree Jones Brown introduced him and other volunteers to the Philabundance Community Kitchen (PCK). This workforce development program provides culinary training while also preparing meals for those in need. Garth saw an opportunity to help in a new and impactful way—by producing meals alongside the PCK culinary team and students. Whether chopping vegetables or packaging meals, Garth found that this experience not only benefitted the community but also brought him personal fulfillment.
“It does wonders for me mentally and makes me feel healthy. It makes me feel good,” Garth shared.
For Garth, the most rewarding part of volunteering at PCK has been watching the students grow. He’s witnessed many students complete the program and go on to start successful culinary careers. Their stories of transformation inspire him, reinforcing his belief that PCK is about more than just feeding people—it’s about equipping individuals with life-changing skills.
“They are teaching life skills here—not just knife skills. It allows us to uplift the community. I just felt like I wanted to be part of that.”
Even before retiring, Garth supported Philabundance through financial donations. Now, as a volunteer, he continues to give both his time and financial support, knowing how critical both are in helping to feed our neighbors.
“One thing I did learn… was how many people in this country really suffer from a lack of healthy food. It’s not just access to food, but healthy food as well. You hear percentages and numbers, but it doesn’t mean much until you actually experience it.”
Garth’s experience with Philabundance has left a lasting impact on him. He feels more connected to his community and healthier both physically and mentally. He’s also built meaningful relationships with fellow volunteers and staff, which keep him motivated to continue his work.
For those considering volunteering, Garth has simple advice:
“There’s plenty of room, and we need you. It’s a welcoming environment, and the experience is tremendously rewarding.”
Garth’s commitment, compassion, and belief that no one should go hungry makes him a true Hunger Hero. We’re grateful to have him as part of our Philabundance family, and his story is a powerful reminder of the impact we can all make when we come together to fight hunger.
Thank you, Garth, for your unwavering dedication and for making such a meaningful impact in our community!
Join Garth and become a volunteer today!
