How can I get involved in and give back to my Brooklyn community in some way that involves food but doesn't involve mindlessly scooping mashed potatoes onto a cafeteria tray at a shelter?

Can you get kids (or poor folks) started doing community gardens? There might not be a lot of land to develop there, but some people garden on the roofs of buildings. It would bring a (sort of) nature experience and nutritious food to people who probably need both!

Local food banks need help packing boxes and finding corporate sponsors.

You could get some people together and create “bag lunches” and give the out to the homeless.

@Adina1968; That’s what my husband and I did the day before the innauguration!

Brooklyn for Peace
Eat Well Brooklyn

I agree with the community gardens suggestion.
You might also want to think about what specific skills you havethat a non-profit could use. i.e., do you have experience with PR or marketing – (help them spread the word about their work). Are you a good event planner (help organize a fundraiser). Are you a good writer (help with their newsletter). There are lots of ways that your specific skills could help with any non-profit, if you can help offer them something that is tailor-made to what you are good at.