About one Monday per month, I am on schedule at the Hillsdale Food Pantry as a supervisor of volunteers. While Hillsdale is an affluent area, there are still many people struggling that need food. Working at the food pantry is a humbling experience.(Above is the outside bin always available to take non-perishable donations.)
A sign on our donation bin lists the most needed food items that we quickly go through. (A good tip: food pantries are constantly overwhelmed with pasta and soup, which are frequently donated! When donating, ask a coordinator for a list of items that pantry really needs.)
We're overwhelmed with joy at the numerous food drives organized in our area this spring. See how stocked our shelves are! Usually, food pantries are down to bare minimums as summer arrives and Thanksgiving/Christmas donations are abundant. Remember, food pantries need food year round!
Another frequently overlooked category is the baby food/supply section. Often the food pantry buys these items with donated money to keep our shelves stocked. When these items are requested from our clients, I make sure to give a LOT! (more than the usual items.)
Organization is key when you have a lot of volunteers (many first timers). Signs and boxes abound!
A sign on our donation bin lists the most needed food items that we quickly go through. (A good tip: food pantries are constantly overwhelmed with pasta and soup, which are frequently donated! When donating, ask a coordinator for a list of items that pantry really needs.)
We're overwhelmed with joy at the numerous food drives organized in our area this spring. See how stocked our shelves are! Usually, food pantries are down to bare minimums as summer arrives and Thanksgiving/Christmas donations are abundant. Remember, food pantries need food year round!
Another frequently overlooked category is the baby food/supply section. Often the food pantry buys these items with donated money to keep our shelves stocked. When these items are requested from our clients, I make sure to give a LOT! (more than the usual items.)
Organization is key when you have a lot of volunteers (many first timers). Signs and boxes abound!If you have a local food pantry, soup kitchen or homeless shelter, please consider volunteering - even one day per month makes a big difference and forges great relationships with the community. I count my blessings that I currently do not need to use these services, but I'm happy to know they are here if I do (people really care!) Many of our best donors were former clients that are now in a better position and happy to contribute back.
Thank you to all volunteers everywhere!! Support your local food pantry!
Thank you to all volunteers everywhere!! Support your local food pantry!
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