Chicago Woman Feeds Hope with Her Leadership in Food Security

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Thalia Anguiano. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light. 

For Thalia Anguiano, volunteering is more than just an act of service—it’s a commitment to uplifting communities and recognizing individuals’ dignity. What began with routine visits to a local food pantry quickly turned into a leadership role, where Thalia has become a driving force in supporting unhoused individuals, asylum seekers and those facing food insecurity in Chicago. Today, Thalia’s impact is felt all across the Northwest and Southside of Chicago. 

“It was November 2022, and we were just doing a work event out in the community. I came across the New Hope Food Pantry,” Thalia reflects. “I went there for two hours thinking I’d spend time with the team, help out with the community and leave, but I fell in love with it. The food pantry family has been so welcoming. Being a Latinx resident of Chicago myself, I’ve enjoyed being able to connect with folks in my community and get involved in that way.”  

At New Hope Food Pantry, Thalia’s role extends far beyond distributing groceries. She ensures that every volunteer feels welcomed and prepared for their shift, coordinating efforts to stock food, assemble bags and create an efficient yet compassionate shopping experience for neighbors who need a little help filling their bellies. From organizing inventory to tidying up at the end of each shift, Thalia plays a key role in keeping the pantry running smoothly.

Thalia shares, “Food insecurity has been a really big part of my personal and professional stories. It all started back in my undergraduate years, doing research around what food insecurity means and what it looks like, for college-level students specifically. Then everything came full circle here. I found a home in Chicago and feel like I’m making an impact and making a difference. I never left.” 

At New Hope Food Pantry, the experience for neighbors is designed to provide a sense of normalcy. Rather than receiving pre-packed bags, individuals and families get in line and receive a shopping cart, allowing them the autonomy to select the foods they want and need. This personalized approach empowers them to make choices that best suit their dietary needs and preferences.  

Once they finish shopping, volunteers assist in bagging their groceries, creating a supportive and respectful environment. This process not only gives neighbors a sense of control over their experience but also fosters meaningful connections between volunteers and the community, reinforcing the idea that everyone deserves the ability to shop for food with dignity. 

“The most rewarding parts are the conversations I have with people,” Thalia says. “That fills my cup—being reminded of the impact we’re having. Sometimes folks get food items they’ve never tried before, and being able to see the excitement on their faces when they share what they’re planning on making, is so rewarding.” 

Beyond the pantry, Thalia has devoted herself to projects that provide critical assistance to asylum seekers and unhoused individuals. She has worked tirelessly to create hygiene kits and pre-prepped meals, ensuring that those in crisis receive immediate relief. Her ability to balance both direct aid and advocacy has made a significant difference in many lives. By acting as a Spanish translator for multiple service organizations, she breaks down language barriers and ensures that all community members can access the resources they need. 

“Providing equitable opportunities to ensure that everyone can get their basic needs met ultimately builds up our cities to become more fruitful, to become stronger-standing foundations for people to live, work, eat, play, send their kids to school,” she says. 

One of Thalia’s standout qualities as a volunteer leader is her dedication to the volunteer environment itself—which she helps to ensure is a supportive and efficient space. She regularly checks in with volunteers, offering them breaks and opportunities to rotate tasks in order to prevent burnout. Her ability to recognize the needs of both volunteers and those they serve has made her an invaluable part of Chicago’s nonprofit network. 

Thalia’s leadership also extends beyond her immediate volunteer duties. She collaborates with food pantry staff to anticipate and address challenges, ensuring that operations run as smoothly as possible. Her adaptability and problem-solving skills allow her to pivot based on the needs of the pantry, whether that means coordinating additional volunteers or adjusting workflows to improve efficiency. 

“There are so many different reasons to volunteer,” Thalia expresses. “I’m a big believer that our existence is intertwined and interconnected with everybody’s. If one of us in the community is struggling, then we all are. When volunteers have the ability to help alleviate circumstances where neighbors are struggling, it ultimately leads the community to be stronger.” Thalia encourages people to get out of their neighborhood bubbles and explore their cities through volunteerism. 

Thalia embodies what it means to lead with compassion, helping individuals facing hardship receive not only essential resources but also respect and care. Whether through direct service or strategic planning, she continues to set an example for others looking to make an impact. She encourages those wanting to volunteer to be intentional with their search, thinking about which social causes matter to them the most, as well as not being afraid to think outside the box. 

“Post-COVID volunteering has gotten so creative with opportunities,” she shares. “There are many virtual or at-home opportunities now. But it starts with reflecting on what matters to you. Volunteering is really rooted in a lot of self-reflection.” 

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