Entrepreneur and operations leader Mya Murdock is raising awareness about the growing need for community-based food programs, calling on individuals to support local meal initiatives, volunteer efforts, and grassroots organizations. Drawing on her own early experiences serving weekly meals alongside her mother, Mya is urging the public to recognize the scale of food insecurity in America and take simple, practical steps to help.
“I spent every Wednesday night volunteering at a local food program as a kid,” Mya shared. “I remember handing out meals and seeing people show up because they were hungry. That never leaves you. It shaped how I see community responsibility.”
According to Feeding America, 44 million people in the U.S. face food insecurity, including 1 in 5 children. Meal programs and community kitchens continue to experience increased demand, with many reporting double-digit growth in year-over-year need. Inflation and rising grocery costs have made consistent access to healthy food more challenging, especially for low-income households.
“These numbers aren’t abstract,” Mya emphasized. “They represent families, seniors, kids, and people working multiple jobs who still can’t make ends meet. I’ve seen firsthand how essential these programs are.”
Mya’s upbringing on a 500-acre farm in rural upstate New York played a key role in shaping her values. Growing fresh food, practicing self-sufficiency, and volunteering weekly taught her how small actions can make a meaningful difference. “My mom always said, ‘If you can help someone, you do it,’” Mya said. “That mindset is part of who I am.”
As the Operations Manager of a high-end boutique and an independent sales professional, Mya has built her career on consistency, leadership, and care for others. She believes those same qualities apply to building stronger communities. “You don’t have to donate huge amounts of money or launch a big initiative to support people,” she said. “You can cook one extra meal, drop off canned goods, or spend an hour volunteering. Everyone can contribute in their own way.”
National data shows that 36% of food pantries rely entirely on volunteers, and small shifts in community involvement can create large-scale impact. A single volunteer hour at a food distribution site can help serve more than 20 meals, according to recent community food network reports.
Mya hopes her message encourages people to slow down, notice the needs around them, and act locally. “A lot of people want to help but don’t know where to start,” she said. “Start small. Look up your nearest food pantry. Ask what they need. Even sharing information online helps.”
She also stresses the importance of compassion. “When I was young, seeing adults come through the line for a warm meal taught me something important,” she said. “You never know what someone is going through. Kindness matters more than you think.”
Mya encourages individuals to take simple, accessible steps to support their communities:
• Volunteer an hour at a local meal program • Donate pantry staples or fresh items when possible • Share information about food drives and community kitchens • Grow extra produce at home and give it away • Check in on neighbors, seniors, and families who may need support
“Helping doesn’t need to be complicated,” Mya said. “If everyone does one small thing, the impact becomes enormous.”
For those who feel inspired, Mya urges them to start today. “You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment,” she said. “Just do something with what you have. It matters more than you realize.”
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Contact Person: Mya Murdock
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City: Charleston
State: South Carolina
Country: United States
Website: mayamurdock.com
