Alma DeMetropolis joined the FoodBank’s Board of Directors during a major transition. Kathleen DiChiara was about to retire when CFBNJ board member Josh Weston, who was also on the Liberty Science Center’s board with Alma, suggested that she get involved to help the organization navigate the upcoming changes.
Since then, she’s partnered with the FoodBank in many ways, both as a board member and through her role as a Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase – providing financial support, bringing groups to volunteer, improving CFBNJ’s technology through her company’s Tech for Good initiative, and attending events, like Workforce Development graduation and the Blue Jean Ball.
“I take away a lot of great memories, especially when it comes to the Blue Jean Ball, as we honor people with the FOOD, HELP, and HOPE awards,” Alma said.
Her favorite moment in a decade of hunger-relief work was when she spent a day volunteering at St. James Social Service, a CFBNJ community partner in Newark, just before the pantry was honored with the HOPE Award at the Blue Jean Ball.
“People that do the day-to-day blocking and tackling to help their communities are doing angelic work,” she reflected. Getting to distribute food and work directly with neighbors in need hits home for Alma, who has first-hand experience with food insecurity.
“There were times when I was young growing up when I wasn’t 100% sure where my next meal was coming from,” she recalled. “If you feel that level of uncertainty, and frankly, desperation, to have an organization that can help alleviate some of it is really special. That’s why I deeply feel for the FoodBank’s mission.”
Alma especially appreciates CFBNJ’s focus on providing neighbors with the healthiest food options: “We don’t want to compound problems that are already out there with respect to the American diet.”
Looking ahead to the future, Alma believes that the FoodBank will always be around, but its work will continue to evolve. She envisions more home delivery and the growth of programs that address the interconnectedness of food insecurity and other issues like housing and health.
“We’ll always need the FoodBank,” she said.