A Day in the Life: Alumnae Helping Food Bank Feed the Community

Judith Myhand ’15 volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina for a high school project, but didn’t fully realize then the impact the organization has on the community.

Now, as an employee of Second Harvest in the midst of a global pandemic, that impact has hit her full force.

“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are definitely seeing more of a need than we ever have witnessed,” said Myhand, who works as an accounting technician at the food bank. “Many are now without the steady stream of income they were accustomed to, and we’re doing everything we can to provide for those in need as the need has surely grown. We are seeing an increase in donations, which is truly amazing, and that allows us to purchase food that will go back into the community. We are very thankful to everyone who has invested their time and money in us so we can continue to pursue our mission in these difficult times.”

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, started in 1981, is working with its partner agencies in other counties to support individuals and families who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization is most in need of money to buy healthy food items for food boxes Second Harvest provides to needy community members, according to its website.

Jenny Chompholphakdy ’19 is also a former volunteer at Second Harvest, where she now works as a receptionist.

“From being a volunteer to a current employee, it is amazing to see how Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina works as a whole,” said Chompholphakdy, who majored in International Studies at UNC Charlotte.

“A day in my life at Second Harvest includes directing individuals needing food assistance to our partnering pantries and working with our agencies,” Chompholphakdy said. “The personal satisfaction I receive from my job is knowing I am able to assist others in my community.”

Due to increased demand from the pandemic, Myhand said her job duties also now include helping pack food backpacks and boxes.

“We’re all trying to help wherever we can so we can do what we need to for the community,” said Myhand, who majored in Exercise Science at UNC Charlotte. “My personal satisfaction is that I can help the community that raised me, since I’ve lived in Charlotte my whole life. I love that I work for an organization that gives so much back to the community.”