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Meet Nordia, a Community Service Director for her church. When the Covid-19 pandemic started, her church became one of the key points of distribution for delivery of Community Food Boxes.

After a year of deliveries, she was encouraged by the church community to open a food pantry at the church. To support the development of the pantry, the church joined more than 300 Food Bank of the Southern Tier agency partners.

With Nordia’s connections through the community, the food pantry is now linking people to all kinds of services, including help for those being evicted, furniture for a new home, and support for utility expenses. In addition, they serve others by offering assistance for issues regarding mental health, immigration, legal, and domestic violence.

“If I cannot help the person personally, I refer them to someone who can help. I also make sure to follow up with them to make sure it worked out,” Nordia says. “If they have been turned away, I help them by going back and not only advocate for them, but with them.”

In 2023, Nordia was a participant in the Food Bank’s Community Advocates Program. “I’ve always been an advocate, and the Community Advocates Program helped me to see that I’m not alone; there are plenty of others collaborating with me,” Nordia says. “Now I have it on my resume; it’s cemented my place as an advocate.”

You support Nordia’s meaningful connection to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. “Without the Food Bank, I wouldn’t be able to do my job as effectively or provide these services to the community. I feel supported. The Food Bank is there for my success. I love being part of the team,” shares Nordia.

This article was part of our Summer 2025 Harvester newsletter, click here to view.