Emma Carbery

During my volunteer shift at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, I worked in the warehouse with about twenty other people sorting sweet potatoes into ten-pound bags. Our task involved checking that each potato was in good condition, brushing off excess dirt, and ensuring each bag met the weight requirement before tying it off for distribution. These bags will later be sent to the free market in the food bank or stores that support individuals and families using food stamps or SNAP benefits.

While many of the volunteers were fellow UNCW students completing service hours, I also had the opportunity to work alongside a group of special needs students and a couple of retired community members who regularly volunteer. I was moved by how people from such different backgrounds came together to achieve a shared goal, and I enjoyed getting to know everyone I worked with. We all communicated efficiently, encouraged one another, and worked hard to keep the process organized and productive.

This experience deeply resonated with my values because I believe that access to food is a basic human right, so it was meaningful to contribute to an organization addressing food insecurity. This was especially important to me during this government shutdown, as it has increased demand for food assistance. I’ve always believed that food security is a foundational need, and this experience made that belief more concrete. Seeing the scale of the need and how many people depend on these services, even seeing the group lined up outside of the building, reminded me that systemic issues like poverty require both local and collective action. By the end of our shift, our group had sorted enough potatoes to provide over 5,000 meals, which was incredibly rewarding to hear.

This experience also made me think about how I can continue to engage and help my community. I learned that the Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of food each year and relies almost entirely on volunteers to meet its goals. It was eye-opening to see how much of the community’s hunger relief efforts depend on the generosity of everyday people and local partnerships. Hearing how many different local groups and companies regularly partner with the Food Bank inspired me to consider organizing similar service events with my Equestrian Team and, in the future, incorporating community involvement into my own business. It reminded me that effective leadership involves both service and collaboration. As someone pursuing a career in business and service, I understand, even more now, how essential it is for leaders to stay connected to their communities. Volunteering helped me remember that ethical leadership isn’t just about profit; it's caring for those in need and always leading with empathy.