Written by Robbie Sanders, July 2026

I have had the pleasure of working along side Gil Ryan and his mentor Rob Monroe on Friday mornings at the FDN facility. Gil and Rob do the job of sorting through and bagging donations of bagels and pastries from Wegmans and Ithaca Bakery with patience and care.  They have been a delightful addition to our Friday morning team. Last Friday (July 24, 2026)  was Rob’s last day with FDN  as he moves on to the next chapter of his life. Before he left, I wanted you all to learn about both of these wonderful volunteers. Gil began volunteering at FDN with his previous mentor about 2 years ago. Gil said that FDN is “an admirable organization.” He believes everyone deserves to have food and should have a way to get what they need. “I am proud to be part of the reason many people will not go hungry. “

Outside of FDN Gil enjoys eating, sleeping and has a passion for live action and animated movies. He especially likes TV programs with puppets and model train animation. Our whole team has benefited from Gil’s knowledge of animation and his recommendations for viewing all kinds of cinema and TV. Gil especially likes the first three Toy Story movies.  If you want to know more about these films in depth, stop by some Friday morning and ask him. You will be impressed and surprised!Gil has incredible knowledge of the genre. 

When asked what else he would like to say about FDN, Gil said he hopes FDN lasts for a long time. “FDN is good people doing good things. I always feel like I belong  even though I’m younger than the other members of the team and I am neurodivergent. I just feel like another person who cares about the same thing.”

Rob began working at FDN over a year ago. Rob studied psychology at Washington State University. He wanted to be involved in self direction services at Racker Center here in Ithaca and  became Gil’s mentor. He began volunteering for FDN with Gil on Friday mornings. Rob said the best part about FDN is the people. 

“The Friday team is a tight group who enhanced my mentorship with their understanding and answered Gil’s candid questions without judgement.”

Rob said we have great conversations on Friday mornings while sorting food and carrying boxes in and out of the facility. These conversations range from personal experiences and concerns, life in general, sports, current events and even telling jokes. Rob said “These conversations have helped me in my life outside of FDN.”

Outside of FDN and the Racker Center Rob is a music producer. He is an audio engineer, mixing and mastering musicians songs to a professional level. Rob said he also loves to travel. 

“Traveling shows me what else the world has to offer. Shows me a new perspective. We have it really good here in the United States but the abundance of our resources are unspent”

Rob said every community needs an FDN because food shouldn’t go to waste and people should not go hungry. “It feels good to start my day helping people first before helping myself.”

Gil will continue to be part of our Friday team with his new mentor. We will miss Rob’s positive energy!