by Mallory Shan

For Volunteer Appreciation Week, the Food Bank would like to honor Ranjeet Kalsi, who has volunteered at our Community Kitchen & Food Pantry of West Harlem through Touro College for more than a year now. The lead contact in scheduling several student groups every month, Ranjeet is ceaselessly energetic and enthusiastic in his volunteer efforts. Food Bank For New York City is so proud to have him, and all the other volunteers from Touro College, work with us week after week in providing food to the people of West Harlem. We hope you’ll enjoy meeting Ranjeet as much as we did…

Tell us a little about your volunteer experience with the Food Bank.
 I’ve had a great time volunteering with the Food Bank for New York City.  Time really does fly. I remember the first day; when the clock struck 4 o’clock, the doors swung open and the Community Kitchen flooded with New Yorkers in need. I gazed in amazement as large groups of people were given food quickly. After a few minutes, I was effectively integrated into the system, handing out drinks and carefully replacing trays. Serving isn’t the only thing that is done at the kitchen. Preparing the food is a very essential part of the process, and rightfully takes nearly all morning and afternoon. Work done in the food pantry is also important, where eligible New Yorkers are able to select the food they want to take home themselves in a set up that looks like a supermarket. At times it can be exhausting, but in the end it is unquestionably always worth it. The Food Bank’s Community Kitchen is many things: a supermarket, a restaurant, but most importantly it is a place where one can help others. Knowing that you helped someone is the greatest reward of all. 

Why do you volunteer with the Food Bank?
I am a pre-med, and I start med school this coming fall. I want to be a doctor because I want to help others – the same reason I volunteer with the Food Bank. I feel it is important to give back and to be an active member of the community. 

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with the Food Bank?
The Food Bank is a great place to volunteer. The staff is welcoming and has a great sense of humor. You will never forget the people you work with and the feeling you get when someone with a big smile wholeheartedly says, “Thank you.”   If you want to help others, the Food Bank is the place to go.

Mallory Shan is assisting the Food Bank’s Volunteer Services department for one year as an NYC Civic Corps Volunteer.