One of the popular ways of spending time wisely while doing goodwill to others is to help out a food bank. And the hard work and effort you devote to their organization produce a rewarding experience since you are able to contribute to the betterment of your community even in your own little ways.
No wonder why most people choose to become food bank volunteers.
But how can a volunteer at your local food bank? And what do you do when you volunteer at a food bank? If you’re interested to know more, then we invite you to read further and know how you can help improve the lives of people who are suffering from hunger due to the COVID-19 pandemic today.
What To Expect During Training?
If you pledge as a long-term volunteer, you will undergo an orientation session on the first day to inform you of the responsibilities to be handled on your job. Likewise, the orientation helps you understand the mission of the organization in a broader sense.
However, if you intend to become a volunteer for 1 day or a couple of days, then the facilitator will assign you to a task-specific training.
Moreover, you will also be instructed to observe proper safety protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus while doing your work as a volunteer.
What Are The Things You Can Do As A Food Bank Volunteer?
Many food banks offer a variety of different volunteering opportunities. Depending on your qualifications, level of experience, and interest, you can choose which activities interest you most.
To give you an idea, here are some of the things you can do as a food bank volunteer:
- Assisting at drive-thru pantries and no-contact distribution centers to help feed families in your neighborhood.
- Delivering meals within the vulnerable areas of your community and ensure your neighbors will have enough food to eat while keeping themselves safe inside their respective homes.
- Volunteering at home to handle online initiatives such as fundraising programs and information dissemination to raise awareness.
- Packing and sorting of food supplies to ensure food supplies are properly stacked and organized for distribution.
Staying Safe While Volunteering
Finally, the health and safety of all volunteers are always a top priority. So as you devote your time and effort to volunteering, you are also encouraged to observe these safety measures:
- Follow the safety guidelines set by CDC and the local food bank. This includes physical distancing, regular hand washing, wearing face mask and face shield, and other protective equipment.
- Verify the food bank’s need for volunteers. While it is certain that food banks are always in need of volunteers, they also have to follow safety guidelines to prevent volunteers from crowding. So it’s recommended that you check or call the food bank first and confirm if they need your help today. If not, then they can schedule you to volunteer the next day.
- Refrain from going to the food bank if you feel sick as you are putting others at risk. So it’s better to stay home if this happens and show up once you feel better.
If you’re looking to volunteer for a good cause during this pandemic, you can visit Second Harvest’s website today.