Volunteer Spotlight: Peter Stagon

Peter Stagon, an East Windsor resident and passionate gardener and cook, joined the East Windsor Hunger Action Team in October of 2014. Peter immediately spearheaded gleaning projects that resulted in over 500 pounds of local produce being donated to the Five Corner Cupboard food pantry.

In February, Peter became a volunteer for Foodshare’s Retail Pick-up program. Peter was the Captain of the East Windsor Hunger Action Team at the 2015 Foodshare Walk Against Hunger where he helped to raise over $2,000.

Peter also makes and sells delicious homemade jellies from produce grown in his garden and all proceeds from the sales are donated to the Five Corner Cupboard and Pauline’s Stock Pot Soup Kitchen in East Windsor. Peter presented checks for $600 each to both Pauline’s and Five Corner Cupboard at the March Hunger Action Team meeting.

In a recent chat with Peter, we learned even more...

What is your day job? "ADL Counselor at Windsor Independent Living Association"

How long have you been with Foodshare? "Approximately 8 months"

How did you first become involved with Foodshare? "I went to a Hunger Action Team meeting"

Why do you support Foodshare? "It is so very good at what it does, help feed people who face hunger daily."

Most recent accomplishment? "I raised $1200 selling jams & garden items."

A personal/professional goal: "Develop a full line of garden products for fundraising."

Last read: "Ken Follett's The Third Twin"

What one word would you use to describe yourself? "Motivated"

Share something about yourself that few people know: "I used to participate in a prison ministry @ maximum lockup with Rev. Johnson."

From where does your inspiration/motivation to volunteer come? "My faith. I have volunteered at different soup kitchens & events over the years."

What is your favorite movie, book or song? "Les Miserables -- the book (by Victor Hugo), the musical and the music!"

What would I find in your refrigerator right now? "Mostly fruits and vegetables, chick and fish, milk, O.J."

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? "Besides helping family members, I would help establish more group homes for the developmentally disabled. I would also like to establish a non-profit that assisted people in becoming 'free' from addiction by addressing their underlying problems."