🔦 Volunteer Spotlight: Denise Balan

Many volunteers find their way to Springs Food Pantry through a friend, a neighbor, or a desire to give back. For Denise Balan, it started with a Fresh Direct bag and a chance conversation at the East Hampton IGA.

Three years later, Denise has become a valued member of our volunteer family, helping in the kitchen on distribution days, supporting non-perishable food orders and logistics and bringing warmth, kindness, and dedication to everything she does. We recently sat down with Denise to learn more about her volunteer journey, her fascinating career, and what keeps her coming back each week.

Denise Balan

"It is a joy to be part of this community of wonderful people, all committed to the same cause: helping to ease hunger." — Denise Balan

How long have you been volunteering with Springs Food Pantry, and what first brought you here?

I've been volunteering for about three years. I was recruited while carrying a Fresh Direct bag into the East Hampton IGA and striking up a conversation with a stranger who mentioned that the Springs Food Pantry needed those bags. One conversation led to another, and before long I was volunteering.

What inspired you to get involved, and what keeps you coming back each week?

Food insecurity has always been an issue that troubles me. For a country with so much abundance, the fact that people worry about where their next meal is coming from feels inexcusable. Volunteering at the Pantry is my way of contributing to a solution.

What volunteer roles do you typically help with at the Pantry? Do you have a favorite?

I usually work in the kitchen on distribution days. I enjoy experiencing the connection between the Pantry and our recipients firsthand.

What's one thing you've learned from volunteering at the Pantry that surprised you?

The sheer scope of need in this community is greater than I ever expected.

Can you share a favorite Pantry memory or moment that has stayed with you?

I think many moments aggregate into one feeling. Recipients and volunteers are all here trying to live their best lives. Kindness and graciousness are alive and well at the Pantry.

What do you wish more people understood about food insecurity on the East End?

It can take so little to upset the delicate balance between income and expenses. One missed paycheck or unexpected expense can make a huge difference. The ability to rely on the Pantry for groceries each week provides tremendous relief for many members of our community.

Tell us a little about yourself outside the Pantry.

My husband and I have lived in Springs full-time since 2023, and I recently retired from a pretty interesting career in insurance. These days, I'm enjoying catching up on chores, knitting, cooking, spending time with friends and my children, and finally having some quality time with my husband, who has patiently waited for my retirement!

What did you do professionally, and what did you enjoy most about your career?

I led a team of underwriters in the Kidnap & Ransom insurance space. Every day was different and intellectually challenging, from understanding clients' security needs to working with our security consultants during claims situations and prevention education seminars.

What I enjoyed most was helping clients develop safety protocols and prepare for the unexpected.

Is there a memorable story from your career that you'd be willing to share?

Surprising things can happen when people travel. Kidnap & Ransom insurance provides many services, including assistance when an insured person disappears.

Several years ago, one of our insureds disappeared overnight while traveling in China. Unbeknownst to them, the U.S. President was scheduled to visit Beijing shortly thereafter. The idea of a missing American citizen during a high-profile diplomatic visit was unacceptable, and an enormous search effort was launched. When the traveler casually returned to their hotel the next day, they discovered that authorities had mobilized significant resources to find them. Our consultants helped navigate the situation, answer the inevitable questions, and ensure the traveler returned home safely.

What might surprise people about you?

Despite working in international risk and crisis management for decades, I'm actually a real homebody.

If someone was thinking about volunteering with Springs Food Pantry, what would you tell them?

The volunteer community is incredibly welcoming and supportive. Whatever time you can spare is gratefully accepted and genuinely meaningful to the operation of the Pantry.

In just a few words, what does Springs Food Pantry mean to you?

It is a joy to be part of this community of wonderful people, all committed to the same cause: helping to ease hunger.

⚡ Lightning Round

☕ Coffee or tea?

Coffee

🌅 Favorite thing about Springs?

The feeling of "Vermont on the Bay"

🥕 Favorite Pantry item?

Carrots

🌽 Favorite local restaurant, farm, or East End spot?

Too many to choose just one!

📚 Favorite book, movie, or TV show?

All Creatures Great and Small (both the books and the TV series)

💙 One word that describes Springs Food Pantry?

Friendship

😊 One thing that always makes you smile?

My dog, Murphy.