There are plenty of things that are important to each and every community and culture. One of them is food, which I’d like to discuss since World Food Day is coming up on October 16. Like water, food keeps us alive. It is also something that brings people together.
I interviewed a special person who is into all things food. That special person is my father, David Waltuck, who is a record-setting chef and now a culinary teacher.
How do you celebrate World Food Day?
I have never celebrated World Food day because I never knew about it. I believe a good way to do it is to help organizations bring meals to people who can’t go outside and generally support sustainable agriculture. Another thing would be to support local and sustainable farms and try to buy foods that are raised humanely and sustainably, like cage-free eggs and organic vegetables. Farms grow food, but I love getting food from small farms.
How do you feel about making food for other people?
I love making food for other people. It’s my favorite thing, and I take great satisfaction in feeding people and having them enjoy what I have made.
What do you know about food insecurity?
I have never experienced food insecurity personally, but I know from reading about this issue and talking about it. It’s a severe problem here in America, as well as other countries in the world. This has been exposed because of the pandemic, due to many children relying on the food provided in school. It’s easy not to notice it, but the pandemic made food insecurity more noticeable.
How do you manage it?
I am fortunate that I live in a situation that I never have little to eat. However, as a chef, I have helped many different charities provide food for people who did experience food insecurity. Two examples are City Harvest and God’s Love We Deliver. I helped out with both charities by donating leftovers and extra food from restaurants, and I also lent a hand at fundraising events.
Have you ever raised charity for food issues like food insecurity?
I have done it many times, including for charities that raise money to prepare and give food to people who don’t have enough of it.
Have you ever worked for food organizations?
I have never worked for food organizations, but I have aided them in different ways like donating my time and talents into helping raise money.
Which people do you help provide food for?
I helped at God’s Love We Deliver, which gave food to people living with a serious illness. I also helped at City Harvest and City Meals on Wheels, which provide prepared meals to those who are 60 years and older and living with a chronic physical or mental disability.
If we provide other people with food and have special cooks like my father in our lives, we can make the world a better place for everyone!
Looking for food resources? Check out the list below!
NYC.gov/GetFood
Food assistance programs from NYC
Hunter College Coronavirus NYC Neighborhood Food Resource Guides
A list of resources by neighborhood
DOE Free Meals
Free meals are available for all NYC residents
New York Public Library Food Security Resources
A list of NYC agencies providing food options for those who are able to leave their home, as well as delivery options for homebound, elderly, or ill persons, and more.
Jacob Waltuck has enjoyed working in the Arts + Culture and Marketing Departments at the 14th Street Y. He also enjoys acting, visual art, and theater, and is involved in employment support programs through JobPath.
Jacob Ross has supported the 14Y Membership and Marketing Departments at the 14th Street Y, and is involved in employment support programs through JobPath.