Congratulations Jeff Hyosaka, selected as our first quarter, fiscal year 2026-27 Volunteer of the Quarter for Salinas Routes. Jeff has been a volunteer driver with MOWSV for over 2 years. After stepping away from a career of more than 30 years with Pacific International Marketing and Dynasty Farms, he began volunteering with Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley in March 2024 to stay active, use his time meaningfully and help others. For Jeff, retirement opened the door to more than a slower pace. It offered a chance to give back to the community that had supported him for nearly four decades.

“When I first retired, I was looking for a way to stay active, fill some of my time and, more importantly, give something back to the community that has been so good to me,” Jeff said. “What I didn’t expect was how rewarding the experience would be.”

What began as a desire to help quickly became a source of connection and gratitude. Jeff discovered that delivering a meal is only part of the impact a volunteer can make. For recipients who may have limited contact with others because of age, health or other circumstances, a familiar face and a few minutes of conversation can be just as meaningful.

“The meal is certainly important, but sometimes the visit can be just as meaningful,” he said. “A friendly face, a smile and a few minutes of conversation can make a difference in someone’s day.”

That appreciation for community is rooted in Jeff’s own story. He grew up in Chicago and moved to Salinas in 1986. In the years since, he has built a life, developed lasting friendships and made the Salinas Valley home. His career allowed him to support and raise his family alongside colleagues who shared his values and work ethic.

Family remains at the center of Jeff’s life. His daughters, Shelby and Spencer, and Spencer’s husband, Kyle, mean the world to him. He also treasures the encouragement of his better half, Sylvia, who has been by his side for the past four years, as well as the connection he shares with her sons, Johnny and Joshua.

Jeff also makes regular trips to Santa Maria to spend time with his 94-year-old mother and help with her day-to-day needs. His sister, Pat, and brother, Jon, and their families live in the Chicago area and visit throughout the year. That shared commitment to caring for family has deepened his respect for the people who quietly show up for others.

“I think that experience has given me an even greater appreciation for organizations like Meals on Wheels,” he said. “There are so many people who quietly make a difference in someone else’s life, often without expecting anything in return.”

Outside of volunteering and family time, Jeff enjoys working out, playing golf, attending church and pursuing his lifelong passion for cars. Retirement has given him more time for those interests, but it has also sharpened his awareness of how fortunate he has been—and how even a modest commitment can improve someone else’s day.

His advice to prospective volunteers is simple: take the first step. “Find something that interests you, fits your schedule and feels meaningful to you,” Jeff said. “You may start out thinking you’re volunteering to help someone else, but I think you’ll find that you get something back from the experience as well.”

As Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley’s Volunteer of the Quarter, Jeff represents the power of dependable, compassionate service. “You don’t have to do something extraordinary to make a difference,” he said. “Sometimes simply giving a little of your time, being present and letting someone know that they matter is enough.”