When you donate financially to FoodBank Lakeside, where does your money go? Who spends it? On what? Our “Who’s in Charge?” feature spotlights those responsible for ensuring your money is spent wisely. Today, we feature someone who in many ways keeps the organization up-to-date by ensuring operations run effectively.

Name & official FB title?

Toni Ryan, Marketing Lead

In what community do you live?

San Antonio Tlayacapan

How long have you volunteered with Lakeside FoodBank?

Since June 2022

What are your FoodBank duties?

I coordinate outreach and publicity efforts for FoodBank Lakeside along with a talented and skilled team of volunteers. Our tasks include publishing a monthly newsletter, staying current on FB, managing our website, and supporting the goals set by the Leadership Team. 

Why do you volunteer?

The mission of FoodBank Lakeside – working in the community to end food poverty – is a mission I believe in. Food is a basic need. Without it, little else is possible.

Kids can’t begin to learn with an empty belly. Malnutrition leads to serious health consequences. Hungry adults cannot consistently work to purchase healthy food.

Covid-19 was devastating to those living on the edge of survival. FoodBank Lakeside served a great need during the pandemic, and it revealed an even greater need that continues. Food impoverishment exists for the elderly and for far too many children here.

I feel a responsibility to engage in the community I live in, and FoodBank is a wonderful opportunity to participate. I respect the FoodBank model, which is to work with our Mexican partners to understand what the needs are and how best to serve our communities.