By: Samaria Fields
A few food bank volunteers gather together, listening and receiving their duties during the morning meeting.They meet before every giveaway to make sure that everything runs smoothly.
The table is covered with sorted tablecloths. These are used to decorate the tables for food distribution on Saturdays, creating a welcoming area space for guests.
Two volunteers work together to adhere a tablecloth across a table. “We never mind doing this really, we’re just happy to help those who have a need”, one volunteer said.
A framed photo is hanging on the wall with the caption "What goes inside the Brown Bag."
This message reminds the volunteers of everything that is necessary when it comes to what goes into the brown bags.
Stacks of boxes stamped with the USDA logo sits in the shelves. The food bank receives government and community support in order to ensure quality for every family or person.
An open cooler reveals empty shelves where food was once stored stacked to the roof."This was packed this morning, and now it’s almost completely empty” a volunteer confessed.
A freezer is filled with frozen foods ready to be distributed. This food is necessary for families who need more than non perishables.
A volunteer opens a cardboard box to reveal some non perishable food items.They are required to inspect each item for there expiration dates and damage before sorting.
A volunteer places canned goods on a organized shelf . "We try to make sure that nothing goes to waste and nothing is forgotten about,” she explains.
A volunteer fills out forms while others stick the paper bags.These forms help track what comes in and what goes out.
A volunteer submits documents into a filing cabinet drawer, organizing them by the date. Keeping reliable records helps the food bank to keep up with the necessary requirements needed to stay open and operating.
A volunteer places cans of corn into paper bags lined up on a table. Every bag is portioned to ensure equality.
A volunteer places bags of rice into paper bags. Dry goods like rice are essential and can be stretched for a longer period of time compared to food items like bread.
A volunteer adds pancake mix to the pile of food inside the paper bags. “ I think pancake mix is always an need because who doesn’t need breakfast”,she shared.
This is the content of a fully packed brown bag: rice, corn, pancake mix, and canned goods. Each bag is balanced, while providing enough to support a family.
A volunteer breaks down empty cardboard boxes after taking out the items inside. The food bank to reduce waste.
A long table is packed with brown bags and loaves of bread, ready for Saturday's giveaway. The bread is donated by the community and helps to ensure that there is an abundance of fresh food.
A volunteer stacks flattened boxes on a mobile shelved cart to later be disposed of. “You know this isn’t my favorite part of volunteer work, but you know it has to be done.”
A volunteer gets ready to set up a sign that reads "Grocery Giveaway Every First Saturday, 9 AM to 10:30 AM." This monthly giveaway is a large event that helps to support the local community.
The food bank sign stands outside the building, visible for all to see and spot. It stands as a symbol of community.
