Serving with Purpose

Growing up, I can’t claim that service was always a core part of my life. For a long time, I associated community service with something court-mandated, not simply done during free time. It was the summer of my sophomore year of high school (what some might call a late start), and I signed up for my first volunteer position, a food pantry distributor. I spent four hours at a church in Brooklyn working alongside deacons and deaconesses to prepare meal kits, restock pantry shelves, and serve meals to those in need. I didn’t sign up for the role because I wanted to, but because I needed the hours somewhere between restocking and packaging meals, something shifted. As I handed out meals and greeted people, I started to see their gratitude. It wasn’t just about food; it was about dignity, comfort, and connection. I stopped counting the hours and started cherishing them. That single experience changed my perspective, and before I knew it, I was choosing to give my time, no longer seeing service as an obligation but instead an opportunity to make a difference.

As a college freshman, I still make time for service throughout the week (especially when it aligns with my passion for health and nutrition). Volunteering at food pantries, women’s shelters and community gardens has broadened my understanding of food accessibility and its impact on overall well-being. This one connection allowed me to start HerBalancedTable, not just because I enjoy writing but because food advocacy and education are topics that absorb me.

I remember when I first understood how food insecurity impacts my community. I made my health a priority, but economic hurdles and a scarcity of nutritious food were obstacles. That wasn’t just a challenge; it became my reason to want to create change. It showed me exactly where my passion lies.

I never thought I’d love science. But my advocacy for PCOS forced me to see it differently. I viewed science as a hurdle instead of an opportunity in my middle school and most of my high school years. I cut classes, spaced out during lectures, and missed the help that was extended to me. Believe it or not, I am currently so deeply in love with chemistry that I am transitioning to major in chemistry on a pre-med track. Looking back, I wish I had taken full advantage of the incredible teachers and resources just an email away.

In addition to self-growth, my advocacy work has propelled me into the realm of educating and uplifting others. Whether I’m sharing nutrition tips with friends, organizing food and book drives to give to women who wouldn’t feel comfortable asking their families for help, or writing letters to encourage elderly women to prioritize their health, every act of service strengthens my commitment to women’s wellness and accessibility. But I know I can do more.

I don’t want HerBalancedTable to just be a blog; I want it to be a source for change. My vision is to impact more women globally, collaborate with women’s shelters, and provide resources, including meal plans, nutritionist consultations, and essential cooking tools for those struggling to access nutritious meals. Food is essential, a right, and a tool of empowerment, and this blog is only the beginning of making that a collective reality. I am beyond grateful for the readers this blog has reached, and I am so excited to welcome those looking for advice and a haven.

But service isn’t only about what I can do; it’s about what we can do. Whether it’s at a local food pantry, we advocate for better nutrition in underserved communities, or simply sharing knowledge, every action counts. Having more time to give back means having more time to make a difference.

In the meantime, if you’re interested in finding ways to serve, I’ve included photos from my journeys of service below and a list of resources where you can find opportunities to volunteer in your (local or global) community. I hope that you feel inspired to take that first step because real change starts with us.