David Speciner packs a Washington Heights bag of bags before heading to the Food Bank for NYC Harlem pantry, preparing for the reality that people do not always have the means to carry their food home. Speciner has volunteered at the organization for four years, contributing to an effort that supplied more than 90 million pounds of food to schools and soup kitchens last year. His contributions recently earned him the title of New Yorker of the Week.
Speciner views food crisis as distribution failure
Speciner sees the current crisis differently than a lack of overall supplies. “It’s not that there isn’t enough food to go around,” he said. “It’s a crisis of distribution.” He attributes his dedication to public service to his upbringing. His father participated in democratic politics, and his mother served on the school board. “Service has always been a part of my, my, my DNA,” Speciner said. “And now that I have the time, it’s only natural that that I do what I do.”
Expanding Community Outreach in Harlem
After pandemic restrictions lifted, Speciner was among the first volunteers to arrive at the Food Bank. He assembled neighbors and Girl Scouts to create “kits for kindness” containing toiletries and essentials after noticing how a small stuffed animal could brighten a child’s day during a two-hour wait. Nicole Harrison, the director of volunteer engagement at the Food Bank for NYC, noted that Speciner goes the extra mile on his shifts. On paper, he has logged more than 750 hours assisting with lunch service, game time at the older adult center, and pantry operations.
How David Speciner volunteers at the Food Bank for NYC?
How long has David Speciner volunteered at the Food Bank for NYC?
Speciner has volunteered with the nonprofit for four years, starting as one of the first volunteers to sign up after pandemic restrictions were lifted.
How many hours of service has Speciner logged?
He has officially dedicated more than 750 hours to the organization through pantry work, lunch service, and older adult center activities.
What specific items do volunteers prepare for pantry visitors?
In addition to groceries, Speciner packs reusable bags from home so visitors can carry their food, and helps assemble “kits for kindness” containing toiletries and essentials.
Worth a look