Nicole Mitchell, our Volunteer Coordinator, says, “Peter is a delight to have around. It’s wonderful to kick off my Monday mornings with his ever-cheerful energy and eagerness to help.”

Peter MonacoPeter Monaco has been volunteering at the Vermont Foodbank every Monday, for full days, since he started in March. Once a month he also helps distribute commodity boxes to seniors in Morrisville who are experiencing hunger. Peter’s enthusiasm for fighting hunger and willingness to help in a variety of ways make him a huge asset to the Foodank.

So we wanted to get to know him a little bit better, and introduce him to our online audiences as well!

To start, Peter, where are you from?

I grew up in Massachusetts and just moved to Stowe, Vermont in January.

Please tell us more about yourself…

I recently retired from my profession as a counselor for 36 years in a public community college. I am now in the process of “reinventing” myself.

Tell us about your favorite food/meal/recipe.

Anything Italian!

Describe the work that you do for the Vermont Foodbank.

I sort and pack salvaged and donated groceries in the warehouse. I also pack Commodity Supplemental Food Program boxes.

Why did you choose to volunteer with the Vermont Foodbank?

I have been actively involved with the issue of hunger for more than 30 years as a participant in the Greater Boston Walk for Hunger, as a volunteer with the Greater Boston Food Bank, and as a member of the Board of Directors of my hometown food pantry. When I am not here at the Foodbank, I volunteer at the Lamoille Community Food Share in Morrisville.

What have you learned through your experience here?

I give a little time and effort, but I leave the warehouse at the end of the day with so much satisfaction. I always feel like my time was well spent and I look forward to coming back.

Was there ever anyone in your life who inspired you to give back or volunteer? And how did that have an impact on your life?

Jesus said, “As often as you did it to one of the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.” I believe that and try to use those words as a guiding principle in my life.

Describe a favorite memory of your time volunteering with us.

Once a month, I meet the Foodbank truck when it comes to Morristown and I help distribute boxes, which I previously helped pack in the warehouse. I wish everyone who works at the Foodbank could see the expressions on people’s faces when I place that box in their car. Joy. Relief. Gratitude. One look says it all. That is why I keep coming back.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

When I worked as a counselor in a public community college I had no doubt the school was making the world a better place. I feel the same way about the Foodbank. I hope everyone who works there understands how important, how vital their efforts are for so many of our struggling neighbors. The world is a better place because of all of your efforts on a day-to-day basis. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of this wonderful team.

Thank you, Peter, for sharing your story – and your time and energy – with us!

We always need more volunteers. Learn about the many opportunities to get involved here.