Packing food for others is personal to Letisha Gary.

“When I was younger, I had challenges with food security,” Gary said. “Sometimes we didn’t have enough to eat, and we used different programs at community centers, food stamps to kind of help us to fill the gap.”

What You Need To Know

Letisha Gary pitches in with Citymeals on Wheels wherever she is needed; from the office to packing to deliveries

The Parkchester resident grew up depending on food assistance

She is now hoping to help even more people by practicing immigration law

Gary is a volunteer with Citymeals on Wheels. The organization delivers food to more than 20,000 New Yorkers who are physically unable to shop for themselves.

“I really feel like I’ve benefited from different programs,” Gary said. “Like, if there wasn’t — weren’t people out there who supported me when I was in need, you know, like, I feel like it’s important for me to kind of do the same.”

Gary started giving back where she could as a teenager. She cooked and served in community kitchens.

“This is a space where they can come and get a good meal and talk to someone and have a warm experience,” Gary said.

Then, around Thanksgiving of 2024, she wanted to do more. She turned to Citymeals.

“When the holiday ends, it’s like the need is still there,” Gary said. “There are still people who are hungry. There are still people who need help. So I felt compelled to be that helping hand.” 

Gary is now a dependable face at the Citymeals office.

“I think Letisha is a shining example of volunteerism,” said Beth Shapiro, the CEO of Citymeals on Wheels.

“To have a story that resonates with food security and to be able to take that and shift it to real, positive action, speaks volumes for who Letisha is as a person,” she added.

Gary also packs and delivers food. She passed the New York State bar earlier this year and is hoping to work in immigration. She is paying it forward through legal and food assistance and making the younger version of herself proud.

“This is me giving back because I feel like someone poured into me,” she said. “So I’m pouring back into my own community. “

For transforming life’s challenges into nourishment for others, Letisha Gary is our New Yorker of the Week.