At Edgewood Nourish Food Bank, our volunteers are more than just helpers—they are family. Whether they serve daily, weekly, or whenever they can, each person who walks through our doors quickly becomes part of something bigger. Over the years, we have celebrated life’s joys together—births, graduations, marriages—and supported one another through hardships. Recently, we have faced the heartbreaking loss of three beloved members of our food bank family. Their absence is felt deeply, and though they are no longer with us, their kindness and dedication continue to inspire us.
Barb Edmonds began volunteering in 2004 after retiring from her career as a schoolteacher. She immediately became a cornerstone of our food bank, volunteering four days a week with endless energy and passion. Barb led our prep shift and managed our produce section, ensuring that every piece of food we received was fresh and ready for our guests. She had a way of making hard work fun, bringing warmth, humor, and encouragement to everyone around her. A natural leader, she offered great ideas and always had a positive attitude. Her sudden passing on January 5, 2025, left us in shock, and not a day goes by that we don’t feel the void she left behind.
Stephanie Huddleston was a steady, constant presence in our food bank for nine years. She never missed a shift, always arrived early, and jumped right into work. She always remembered what was happening in our lives, asked about our families, and brought small gifts for holidays. We had hoped she would recover from her illness and return to us, but sadly, she passed in mid-February. Thursdays feel different without her, and we miss her deeply.
Jon Comen started volunteering in 2010 and continued until 2021, when his health no longer allowed him to. His heart was always with the food bank. He managed grocery pickups, delivered food to an affiliated food bank, and maintained excellent relationships with our partners. He even took care of our cargo van which was a tremendous help to me. But I think what he loved most was helping distribute Thanksgiving turkeys, making sure every family had something to celebrate. He helped raise money to buy the turkeys and was always there to pick them up. His kindness and dedication touched so many lives, and I am so glad we were able to experience his heart of gold.
Though they are gone, Barb, Stephanie, and Jon’s spirits live on in every act of service we continue in their honor.
