Food insecurity often hides in plain sight. WPE volunteer David Mello discovered this within his own senior living community.
“A fellow volunteer mentioned that while my side of the complex was doing okay, the other side had very little,” David shared.
Recognizing the community’s limited food supply and inconsistent quality, David worked with WPE to create a pantry-style distribution, so all neighbors had access to the food they needed to survive and thrive. The early logistics weren’t easy—but with support from the WPE team, the program quickly took root.
Today, the pantry serves 30–35 residents weekly, focusing on the fresh, grab-and-go foods the community requested.
“The feedback has been overwhelming—people are so grateful.”
David’s advice is simple:
“Be aware. Look around. When you see a need, act—you never know how much of a difference you can make.”