For over two decades, Food & Friends has proudly partnered with Avodah, a Jewish Service Corps that empowers young Jewish leaders through immersive service, community living, and social justice learning.
In this Q&A, Kiara Isaias-Day, our 2024-2025 Jewish Corps Member, shares her experience delivering meals, building community, and living out her Jewish values through a year of service.
Q: Can you introduce yourself and share a little about where you’re from and your background?
A: My name is Kiara Isaias-Day. I’m from Corvallis, Oregon. I attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, where I majored in Anthropology and minored in Hispanic Studies. Outside the classroom, I sang in an A cappella group, led a Zumba club, and worked at a winery.
Q: What inspired you to join Avodah’s Jewish Service Corps?
A: I wasn’t sure what career I wanted, but I knew it would be people-focused. After studying abroad in Madrid, I wanted to live in a big city again, and Avodah offered a structured way to explore a new place—providing housing, a job, and a community.
Q: How did you get placed at Food & Friends, and what drew you to this organization?
A: During my Avodah interviews, I expressed interest in working closely with clients. I previously interned at a garden teaching kids about plants and nutrition, so Food & Friends felt like a natural extension of that. Plus, I love to cook, so the mission really resonated with me.
Q: What does your role at Food & Friends look like day-to-day?
A: I start by prepping for first-day deliveries—reviewing client lists and making welcome packets. Then I pack up meals and head out to deliver, making sure clients understand our services and policies. Once I’m back, I handle calls and file paperwork. Every day is different and full of learning.
Q: Can you describe what it’s like to deliver a first-day meal to a new client?
A: It varies a lot. Some clients are confused, others are eagerly waiting for me. Some just want to chat. As I drive through the city and enter people’s homes, I often pause to reflect on the lives they lead and how meaningful this small interaction can be.
Q: Have you had any moments with clients that really stuck with you?
A: Yes. One client opened the door, accepted the food, and told me, “You came at the perfect time.” His fridge was completely empty—he had just gotten out of the hospital. That moment reminded me how lucky I’ve been to never have had an empty fridge.
Q: How has this experience shaped your views on food security and health equity?
A: Living in an Avodah house, I hear about my peers’ work in law, policy, and direct service, which helps me see how interconnected these systems are. Working at Food & Friends has shown me that you can’t address health without addressing food access—and how vital community is to individual well-being.
Q: How does your Jewish identity or values connect to your work?
A: In Judaism, the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim—visiting the sick—is considered one of the most important. It’s believed to ease suffering. I think of that when delivering meals: maybe I’m taking away 1/60th of someone’s pain just by showing up. Passover also reminds us to care for others, with the phrase “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” That call to action is echoed in Food & Friends’ mission.
Q: Did you work on any special projects during your time here?
A: I’ve been working to improve services for our Spanish-speaking clients. I provide orientations in Spanish, help with translations, and I’m organizing a Spanish-language nutrition focus group. I hope this opens up space for better feedback and stronger engagement from our clients.
Q: What is one thing you’ll take with you from your time at Food & Friends?
A: The support I’ve received from my coworkers has made a huge difference. I’ve learned how powerful it is to work in an environment where people have your back and you can enjoy what you do.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say to the donors who make this partnership possible?
A: First-day deliveries help clients feel informed and connected from the start. The Avodah position allows us to reach even more people. I get so many thank-yous, and I want to pass that gratitude on to you—for helping us make this possible.
Q: Why do you think it’s important to support organizations like Food & Friends?
A: These organizations help meet essential needs while creating a sense of community. It’s easy to overlook how many people around us are in need. Food & Friends helps bridge that gap, and your support allows our clients to focus on healing.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I’m still exploring! I want to continue working in social services and have also applied to teach English in Spain. Wherever I go, I know this year has given me a strong foundation.
Want to learn more about Avodah’s impact or support the work of Corps Members like Kiara? Visit avodah.net or foodandfriends.org to get involved.
