Our Volunteers

Volunteers at the Lynnwood Food Bank are the backbone of everything we do. Volunteers are involved in every aspect of our organization from collecting food, to data entry, to board members, to sweeping the floor. Everyone pitches in and everything is done each week with amazing efficiency and dedication to the Food Bank’s purpose, ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.


Our team is diverse, and we have great fun working together each week to show our community that Food Is Love.


To learn more about volunteering, click here.


Photograph: Filming a cooking demonstration of making tamales Oaxacan style.

Meet Our Team

The team at Lynnwood Food Bank is a small, dedicated group of professionals committed to serving the community with care, dignity, and respect. Together, they manage daily food distributions, nutrition and outreach programs, volunteer coordination, and operations—often wearing many hats to meet growing need. Grounded in the belief that food is love, food is health, food is culture, and food is community, the team works collaboratively to ensure neighbors have access to nutritious, culturally relevant food in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

  • Wahid - photo coming soon

    Food Access Operations

    Wahid plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of food access services at Lynnwood Food Bank. Originally from Afghanistan, Wahid brings many years of experience working in construction, along with a strong work ethic and practical problem-solving skills. He first joined the food bank as an intern through a community jobs program, where he quickly stood out for his dedication, reliability, and ability to take on any task needed to keep our programs running smoothly. From warehouse operations to helping ensure food is ready for distribution, Wahid approaches every job with care and commitment to serving the community. 

  • Amani

    Food Access Program

    Amani earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Science in 2024. Her background includes experience in visitor education, public engagement, and environmental stewardship through internships and campus leadership roles, as well as strong customer service experience. Amani brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to her work and is passionate about community service, education, and building meaningful connections with the people she serves.

  • edrees

    Food Access Operations

    Edrees began his journey with Lynnwood Food Bank as an intern and quickly became an essential member of the team. Originally from Afghanistan and fluent in Dari, he plays a vital role in supporting our Middle Eastern community and helping staff better understand cultural traditions and needs. As a former market owner, Edrees understands the importance of access to quality food, organization, and respectful customer service, and he brings that perspective to keeping our operations running smoothly—always with a welcoming smile and positive spirit.

  • coming soon

    Information coming soon.

  • liz

    assistant director

    Liz joined the Lynnwood Food Bank leadership team in 2022 after seven years of dedicated volunteer service. Known for her ability to connect genuinely with people, Liz works directly with customers each week through our food truck, outreach, and nutrition education programs. In addition to her role at the food bank, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and is passionate about building a career in the nonprofit sector and serving her community.

  • alissa jones

    executive director

    With more than 25 years of experience in social services, Alissa joined Lynnwood Food Bank driven by a passion for serving her own community. She values meaningful connections with both families and volunteers and leads with empathy, thoughtfulness, and flexibility. Over the past decade, her leadership has advanced equity by expanding culturally relevant foods, engaging a diverse, multilingual volunteer base, and strengthening nutrition-focused programming—prioritizing health, dignity, and inclusion for all.

Lynnwood Food Bank

Board of Directors

Lynnwood Food Bank’s Board of Directors is deeply rooted in service and community care, bringing diverse professional expertise and lived experience to guide our work with compassion and integrity. Board members actively serve across the community through leadership roles with local advisory committees, civic organizations, public safety groups, cultural service organizations, and neighborhood initiatives. Representing a wide range of cultural backgrounds and professional fields—including public service, education, media, emergency response, business, and advocacy—the Board is united by a shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and access to nutritious, culturally meaningful food. Their leadership reflects a genuine love for this community and a dedication to ensuring all neighbors feel seen, supported, and valued.


  • President: Mike Miller, Retired, Marine Insurance
  • VP/ Executive Director: Alissa Jones, Non-Profit Executive
  • Treasurer: Matt Appel, Bookkeeper
  • Member: Cpt. Keith Sessions, Battalion Chief South County Fire
  • Member: Dr. Julieta Altamirano-Crosby, PUD Commissioner
  • Member: Phong Nguyen, Business Owner
  • Member: Anthony Angel, Restaurant and Event Management
  • Member: Rey Suarez, Financial Services Management
  • Member: Marines Scaramazza, News Executive Producer
  • Member/ Liaison: Anne Spangler: Retired, attorney
  • Member: Van Dinh-Kuno, Non-Profit Executive
  • Member: Will Chen, CPA and local politician
  • Member: Pastor Jason Worthington, Pastor