First established in 1974 through presidential proclamation by Richard Nixon, National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration “to recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time, talent, voice and support to causes they care about in their community. Their stories can serve to inspire others to find ways to take action that creates change.”

In honor of the 2018 National Volunteer Week, Feeding Matters would like to recognize several of our dedicated and committed volunteers.

In the two years that Natalie has been with us, she has become a valued volunteer to many staff members thanks to her integrity, passion and respect for families navigating pediatric feeding disorder.

1. How did you first get involved with Feeding Matters?
   My mom is a nurse and does some work with children with PFDs. One day by chance, she told me about Feeding Matters. Our conversation sparked my interest, so I did some further research. I really admired the organization’s mission and principles, and I immediately applied to become a volunteer.

2. What is your most prized memory of volunteering with Feeding Matters?
   The best is yet to come! I have worked on a few different projects for Feeding Matters that are still underway. I’m excited to see the outcomes these projects will have for children with PFDs, and their families, once completed.

3. What is your favorite part of volunteering with Feeding Matters?
   My favorite part of volunteering is working with the incredible team at Feeding Matters! It is a pleasure to work with such enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and hard-working people.

4. What does being involved with Feeding Matters mean to you?
   It makes me happy to be a part of an effort to improve the well-being of my community, and to use my skill set to support Feeding Matters’ mission. I’m thankful for everything I’ve learned by being a volunteer for this awesome organization.

5. In your opinion, how does volunteering with Feeding Matters differ from other organizations?
   Something that strikes me again and again is how each team member I work with makes it a point to understand my personal interests and professional strengths when bringing me onto a project. They confer such value on every team member’s individuality, and have built such a strong organization because of it.

6. What is your biggest hope for families navigating pediatric feeding disorder?
   I sincerely hope that families navigating PFDs will see their children thrive, and experience continually improving visibility, education, and support from all professionals and care providers they work with.

To join Feeding Matters’ fight to create a world in which children with pediatric feeding disorder will thrive, visit feedingmatters.org/volunteer.