Profile piece, Veronica Heath

In this section of our monthly newsletter, we shine a light on someone whose dedication and work at the Foodbank is integral to our operation and pushes us closer towards our goal of ending food insecurity. This month, we spoke to Veronica Heath, our volunteer who supports in organising our volunteer teams and overseeing our data and spreadsheet maintenance to ensure that we are running as smoothly as possible.

Read on to find out more about Veronica, her role, how she first got involved in the Foodbank and what she likes to do when she’s not volunteering!

Could you tell us a bit about yourself prior to joining the Foodbank?

I was born and raised in Cambridge; I went to school, married and had 2 sons here, so I do feel very much part of the local community. Workwise I’ve had various jobs, though once I’d had my boys, I started to work in the office at a local Nursery School. It was while working there that I saw first-hand the financial struggles experienced by many young parents and the impact that it had on their children who often didn’t have enough to eat. The school was attached to a Children’s Centre where Foodbank vouchers were issued and I became increasingly aware of the mounting need for support in the wider community.

How did you first get involved with the Foodbank?

My husband was unable to continue working due to health problems, and I decided to retire early to spend more time with him and my family. However, I still found myself with a bit of free time. I also missed the work environment, being with colleagues and the associated community, and I wanted to feel more useful again. The pandemic and recent years had highlighted the need for Foodbanks so I got in touch with Cambridge City Foodbank to see if I could become a volunteer, and whether my office skills might be of any use to them. I was delighted when they offered me a role in the office helping the Volunteer Co-ordinator, though I would have been happy to help wherever the need was. I feel so fortunate to be part of such a great organisation and to work alongside the marvellous Core Team.

Could you tell us more about your role?

I receive and answer enquiries about volunteering. Then I work with the Volunteer Co-ordinator to recruit applicants and help to place them in suitable roles, as we try to ensure that the many Foodbank Teams are as fully staffed as possible. The bulk of my role is spent maintaining the database and various spreadsheets which are used to organise the applicants and teams of volunteers. It’s surprisingly similar to the work I did before and something that I really enjoy doing.

What do you find most rewarding about working at the Foodbank?

When people get in touch about volunteering, there’s no guarantee that it’ll be right for them, so seeing a role filled where someone flourishes is very satisfying. I enjoy being a small part of the Foodbank organisation, where I feel valued, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help those who not only need our help, but who also want to help as well. It doesn’t always come together as we’d like, but it makes you appreciate it more when it does work, and the Foodbank gets the help it needs to support its visitors.

What is it you enjoy doing when you’re not volunteering?

I read a lot, mostly novels, and enjoy films and tv, especially wildlife and natural world documentaries. I try to keep fit by cycling, going to pilates classes and walking; and love going on countryside walks with our dog, especially in Spring and Summer when I can spot and photograph native wildflowers and orchids – a great passion of mine. I love wildlife and nature in general and often accompany my husband and son when they go birdwatching.