High school senior Claire Abell, 18, has devoted her Saturday mornings to volunteering at Food & Friends since middle school. Inspired by the impact and sense of community, Claire wakes up early to assist with deliveries every other weekend. She recently shared how volunteering here for nearly five years has helped her grow, become part of a community, and reduce stress during a busy academic time. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Q: How did you hear about Food & Friends?
A: It was during Covid-19 that my mom and I started out doing deliveries. I was 13. Tthat spring, when I was 14, I saw there was a volunteer delivery assistant posting, and I wanted to try something new and get out of my comfort zone, and I thought this was the perfect way to do it.
Q: What about doing deliveries made you interested in doing more*?
A: Knowing the impact that you have. I remember one time there was a client who gave us his drawings as a thank you when we delivered. There was a good show of the community in D.C. especially. I also love to cook, so I thought it would be cool to see how meals are made.
*Claire helps with deliveries of medically tailored meals and groceries to about 200 households every other week.
Q: Do you remember your first volunteer shift on Saturdays*?
A: I was really nervous to be honest, and I didn’t know what to do with myself, but I was welcomed with open arms [by staff and volunteers], and that made it a lot easier. I was still in middle school and awkward, and volunteering has helped me come from very far from that. Volunteering at Food & Friends played a really big role in my growth.
*Individuals can begin volunteering in the kitchen with an adult at age 14, and can volunteer without an adult beginning at age 16.
Q: What’s kept you coming back for nearly 5 years?
A: I think it’s everybody. It’s heavy on the “friends” part of Food & Friends. Last year, I convinced all my friends to volunteer with me, and they loved it. Everybody is super nice and uplifting. This community has had a really big impact on me. And just knowing the really good work Food & Friends does and that I get to be part of it has kept me coming back.
Q: What makes Food & Friends special to you, and what makes it worth giving so much of your time to?
A: You really see the impact in the work you do. I met someone packing meals who used to be a client, and it really shows the community commitment to Food & Friends.
Q: How early do you have to get here on Saturdays and how is that for you as a teenager?
A: 8 a.m. Lots of Starbucks. (laughs). It’s a great way to start my morning. It makes me feel productive. With or without Starbucks, there’s a lot of energy here. Waking up early can sometimes be a struggle, but it’s always worth it.
Q: How do you feel before you come in for a shift?
A: Pretty relaxed and excited. It’s a good stress reliever, especially during junior and senior year of high school. I’m not thinking about homework or assignments I have to do. I’m thinking about [helping] other people and making connections.
Q: What’s a typical Saturday shift like for you?
A: I’ll come in at 8 a.m. and I’ll check the red bags*, that the right meals areis in them, and then after that I load them into the [delivery driver pick-up] refrigerator. At 9, the delivery volunteers arrivecome. , and I help load the red bags into their cars and make sure everything is going according to plan, and I do that until 11.
*Note: Red bags are insulated bags with ice packs that are used to ensure food safety of our medically tailored meals when being delivered.
Q: What do you do outside of volunteering here?
A: I volunteer at a French camp over the summer in Dupont Circle, and I love to play tennis. I also bake a lot, and I love to hike. I’m in a school club called Memories Matter to help support people with dementia.
Q: Do you have an idea of what you want to study at school and do after?
A: I’m still figuring that out. I would love to do pre-med and minor in French.