Supporting Healthier Choices in Food Pantries

Mary’s project at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank focuses on supporting food pantry operations while integrating a stronger emphasis on nutrition across the foodbank network. By implementing the HER/SWAP nutrition ranking system, she is moving to promote healthier food choices in pantries and increase nutrition accessibility. This project has led Mary to organize resources and build training materials that will support staff and foodbank partners, even beyond her service term. She believes these efforts have helped lay a foundation for nutrition to be integrated more intentionally into pantry operations.

“I have also encouraged broader conversations about nutrition through ideas like recipe cards, healthy nudges, and educational materials that make nutritious choices feel more accessible rather than restrictive,” says Mary. “Seeing growing interest and excitement around these ideas has been incredibly rewarding.”

Although it was initially a challenge adjusting to a professional work environment post-college, Mary has learned to adapt, ask questions, and trust herself in unfamiliar situations.

“I gained confidence by pushing myself to engage in conversations, share ideas, and take ownership of projects even when I didn’t feel fully comfortable yet,” she says. “This experience has taught me that professional growth often comes from leaning into uncertainty and viewing challenges as opportunities to learn rather than barriers.”

Serving at the foodbank, Mary has grown significantly in both communication and leadership. She now feels more comfortable speaking with new people, organizing and participating in meetings, and explaining complex ideas in clear and practical ways. Service has also provided Mary with a key opportunity to form new connections with volunteers and other staff members who are all coming from different backgrounds and roles. These relationships have proved vital for fostering enthusiasm and buy-in around nutrition initiatives.

“Serving at a food bank has completely changed how I understand food insecurity,” says Mary. “I have seen firsthand that food poverty can affect anyone, regardless of background, and that during times of high need – such as the holidays or a government shutdown – communities truly come together to support one another.”

As Mary thinks through her next steps, she hopes to continue her involvement in national service. Currently, she is exploring opportunities through FEMA Corps, NCCC, and State & National outside of Ohio. Mary enthusiastically recommends national service to others, especially young people thinking through their next steps and looking to do something impactful.

“National service is about building skills, fostering relationships, and most importantly, having a sense of purpose,” she says. “I feel incredibly fortunate to work in a setting where I am encouraged to try new things, learn from others, and contribute to something that truly matters.”

Thanks for your service, Mary!