Mutual Aid Tompkins (MAT) is a volunteer group operating under the philosophy of “neighbors supporting neighbors.” Widespread food insecurity following the COVID-19 pandemic prompted MAT to create food sharing cabinets throughout Tompkins County. Through partnership with MAT, this grant team aims to identify and address the challenges of food distribution in winter; understand the flow of food into and out of the food sharing cabinets to inform process improvement; and assess food recipient satisfaction, perceived role of cabinet food in household food security and barriers to the use of food sharing cabinets. Students engaged in the MAT collaboration enhance their understanding of civic engagement and the unique role of volunteerism during times of emergency, as well as reflect on how emergency response may challenge perceptions of group and community identities and responsibilities.