Rich’s Story | “I personally know what it means to go hungry”

Food Bank staffer Rich Faafiu is our Lead Order Builder. This is his story. 

“People call me “Mr. Holidays” in the Food Bank warehouse. I supervise the massive operation of gathering, assembling, and sending out all of our food to our pantries. And during the holidays when things get really busy, I kick it into high gear.

I personally know what it means to go hungry, especially this time of year. When I was growing up in the projects in San Francisco, I often skipped meals because we didn’t have enough money.

My brothers and sisters and I had a single mom who worked several jobs, so we had to take care of ourselves. By the time I was nine, I was cooking for my siblings. I always fed everyone else first, so sometimes I went without. But my friends’ parents always gave me something to eat or a few dollars to help out.

Now I get to give back through my role at the Food Bank. So when I’m putting together those holiday pantry orders, it’s not just my job. I’m giving from the heart.

In that same spirit, I hope you give from your heart too.”