Meet Nelson Nuñez
Grassroots Grocery Network Volunteer
Evelyn Chen
Meet Nelson Nuñez, a “superstar volunteer” that dedicates his Saturday mornings to helping Mott Haven Fridge Network organize and distribute fresh produce to his community. In the very beginning, Nelson discovered Mott Haven Fridge through social media. “Actually, I follow a person named @bronxmama on instagram and she had posted information about Mott Haven Fridge and it indicated that they were looking for volunteers so I signed up.” Nelson was initially attracted to Mott Haven Fridge Network because of the community aspect that the organization carried. “Primarily, because it is so local. I’ve lived in the Bronx just about all my life and I understand the problem that a lot of people in the community have with lack of resources and not having good food and produce, where they live.” Nelson also spoke on the lack of fresh produce available at a sustainable price for many families in the Bronx. “It’s cheaper to eat poorly and when you are a person who is on a fixed income, or have limited resources, unfortunately, in the supermarkets or grocery stores where people shop, it’s cheaper to buy the “bad” or unhealthy food as opposed to the “good” food. So unfortunately people often make the wrong choice or they don’t have the opportunities to make the right choice."
As for Nelson’s volunteering experience here at Grassroot Grocery, he again touches on the community aspect that he sees every Saturday morning. “I love it. I think it’s a worthwhile endeavor. I always find that I get more out of it versus what I put into it. I see many people that are committed. There are a lot of repeat volunteers but also new faces every weekend as well. I think it’s important for people from other communities to come and see what is going on and also do something about the issue. I think this organization has helped people feel empowered to not just talk about the issue but to take part in something that really does not ask for a big time commitment.” Nelson urges the community to try and find an organization that speaks to them and put in time or any other resources they can to try and do their part. “People should try and find an organization like Mott Haven Fridge where they can give their time, no matter how minimal that time may be, it does make a big difference.”
Help Nelson continue to make a difference by making a contribution to Mott Haven Fridge Network.
