Florida Teen Tackles Food Insecurity

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Matthew Wanless. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light. 

Florida native Matthew Wanless has been volunteering since the tender age of 5, for Joshua’s Heart Foundation. This Miami Beach-based organization was founded by Joshua Williams when he was just 4 years old. This proves that there are no age limits when it comes to doing good in the world!      

The mission of Joshua’s Heart Foundation (JHF) is to end hunger and reduce the cycle of poverty that plagues many global citizens. This youth-run organization empowers underserved people to improve their quality of life. Volunteers collect and deliver basic necessities like groceries and personal items, and educate youth on the topics of world hunger and poverty. Both youth and adults volunteer for JHF, whether they work directly with people or behind the scenes in administrative roles.  

Matthew has played competitive sports nearly his whole life, but still makes time for his studies and for volunteering. 

What inspires you to volunteer? 

When I was in preschool, the school hosted a coin harvest for Joshua’s Heart Foundation. I was just 5 at the time but I started helping out, along with my brother who joined the JHF Junior Advisory Board. I’ve been volunteering with Joshua’s Heart Foundation ever since.

Tell us about your volunteer role with Joshua’s Heart Foundation.

From 2021 to 2023, I ran my own Joshua’s Heart Junior Advisory Board chapter in Boca Raton. We had more than 10 youths on the board. I held bi-weekly meetings where we planned events and distributions that happen throughout the year. We also planned food drives and fundraisers. We helped each other out as much as possible.      

As some of this time was during the pandemic, we organized distributions of food and other necessities in the local community. These were curbside distributions rather than being held at outside distribution locations.       

Today, I am part of the Pantry Operations Team, or “Pantry Ops.” Our mission is to lead efforts around mobile off site, pantry on site and alternative distribution processes. We are able to help feed Americans facing food insecurity and to support them in the short term. To date, I’ve distributed food and other items to over 7.200 families.     

I’m very hands-on during distributions. We walk with people through the distribution of groceries and personal items and help them shop. I also deliver their goods to their vehicle. It’s good to meet and talk to them! One of our big partners is Fresh Point, which is North America’s largest foodservice produce distributor. Fresh Point donates many pounds of fruits and vegetables for Joshua’s Heart distributions. To date, I have distributed over 173,000 meals, 800 pounds of food, 2,344 books, 1,065 flower bouquets, $14,593 worth of toys, 5,077 pounds of clothes and 8,700 personal items to families in need.      

I have also been involved in several fundraising events. I have partnered with Putt’n Around (mini golf) and the Silverball Museum (pinball). During these fundraising events, a percentage of people’s entry fees were donated to Joshua’s Heart Foundation. To date, I have raised over $10,000 through these partnerships, SodexoStop Hunger Foundation Youth grants and outside donations.      

I also meet with elected officials during the food distributions so they can see firsthand the impact we are making on the community. The elected officials often help out with distributions too, which is appreciated!     

I conduct food drives at my school where I collect non-perishable items from the middle school to bring food and toiletries to a shelter in Hollywood, Florida. In case you’re wondering, many people donate toys but these are distributed at the Milagro Center and other distribution sites throughout the year. I also host GYSD, which stands for Global Youth Service Day. My brother hosted GYSD in Broward and Palm Beach Counties for five or six years. I have since taken over and have hosted GYSD for the last 3 years. I lead a group of volunteers in a food, toy, clothing and personal item distribution each spring. Last year’s event was in the Devonhut and Lauderhill Point communities in coordination with the Lauderhill Health and Prosperity Partnership (City of Lauderhill). One hundred fifty families were provided food, feminine products, toys, lotions, sanitizers and makeup that day. 

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization? 

I hope to continue volunteering by organizing food drives. I am considering joining Joshua’s Heart National Advisory Board so I can be even more involved. 

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work? 

The way it makes me feel is so rewarding. I always have a smile on my face when I help. Having the ability to support my community is such a great feeling. 

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer? 

Even when you have it hard, others have it worse. Be thankful for what you have and don’t take anything for granted. However you can, support your community. We can change the world with small actions! 

Tell us about future partnerships, programs or events that you are excited about. 

I will be attending some Pantry Ops distributions throughout 2024. We will also be holding a Thanksgiving food distribution where we provide turkeys and other holiday food so people can have a memorable holiday dinner. 

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering? 

Join any organization nearby. You can find volunteer clubs in almost every community or school. If you don’t know what to focus on, just let it unfold. Start somewhere and you’ll make connections that can direct you to where you can best serve. 

What do you want people to learn from your story? 

I feel that everyone should serve their community. It’s our duty as human beings. You’re never too young to make a difference. I started when I was 5 and this is something I’ll be doing for the rest of my life. 

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Matthew? Find local volunteer opportunities.