Volunteer(s) of the Month: Mary Beth McNichols & Gwynne Kennedy
Volunteers play a critical role in Hunger Task Force’s Free & Local mission. Each year, thousands of volunteers support our work to feed people today and end future hunger. By sharing their time, skills and energy, volunteers help make it possible for us to provide healthy food with dignity to kids, families and older adults across our community.
This month, we are honored to recognize Mary Beth McNichols and Gwynne Kennedy as our Volunteer(s) of the Month! Both have become familiar and welcoming faces on the Hunger Task Force Mobile Market, consistently volunteering their time to help shoppers access fresh, healthy and affordable groceries in communities throughout Milwaukee County.
The Mobile Market is a grocery store on wheels that travels to neighborhoods with limited access to fresh and healthy foods. Stocked with fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and other staples, the Mobile Market brings the grocery store directly to communities while helping make healthy food more affordable. Unlike a food pantry, the Mobile Market is an active grocery store open to everyone, and volunteers play an important role in making each shopping experience welcoming and accessible.
Mary Beth began volunteering with Hunger Task Force in late 2021 after retiring from a career in nursing. Since then, she has found a meaningful way to continue serving her community through regular shifts on the Mobile Market.
“I chose Hunger Task Force because I recognized that food insecurity is a critical issue in our community and has a direct impact on the health of those who do not have access to good food,” shares Mary Beth. “I really enjoy my time volunteering on the Mobile Market as it enables me to interact with clients and listen to what their needs are.”
That face-to-face connection is an important part of the Mobile Market experience. Volunteers greet shoppers, help them navigate the market and assist with bagging groceries. For many volunteers, the opportunity to interact directly with the people they serve makes the experience especially rewarding.
Gwynne began volunteering with Hunger Task Force after her retirement, drawn to the Mobile Market after her family had supported Hunger Task Force for many years. She has quickly become a consistent presence, forming connections with fellow volunteers, Mobile Market drivers and the shoppers who return each time the market visits their community.
“Our family has supported Hunger Task Force for a long time because we believe every person has the right to eat healthy food,” says Gwynne. “After retiring, I learned about the Mobile Market and cannot say enough good things about this amazing, innovative program that brings nutritious and more affordable food to people across Milwaukee County. Shoppers tell us that the Mobile Market really makes a difference.”
We are grateful for Mary Beth and Gwynne’s continued dedication to the Mobile Market and the neighbors they meet along the way. Their steady presence, willingness to listen and commitment to creating a welcoming shopping experience are an important part of Hunger Task Force’s work to ensure everyone has access to healthy food with dignity. Thank you, Mary Beth and Gwynne, for the time, compassion and service you bring to the Mobile Market and our community.
For more information on how you can get involved, visit: www.HungerTaskForce.org/volunteer
Meet our Volunteers of the Month!
Click below to discover the people making a difference in the fight against hunger – new volunteers added each month! Keep checking back to meet more incredible volunteers helping end hunger in Milwaukee.