It Happens in a Blink

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Crafts & Projects
    • Cricut Tutorials and Projects
    • Current Cricut Deals
    • Craft Through the Bible
    • HandPrint the Alphabet Preschool Series
  • Potluck Recipes
    • Potluck Dishes
    • Potluck Desserts
  • Other Recipes
  • Traveling with Kids
  • New? Start Here
    • Welcome!
    • Contact Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Blog

May 31, 2018 by: Melanie

5 Things I’ve Learned from Volunteering at a Food Bank

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #GoldPeakFightsHunger #CollectiveBias . Read on for 5 Things I’ve Learned from Volunteering at a Food Bank. 

My husband and I plan monthly service projects for our student group. We have volunteered at many places over the past few years, but one place that we have returned time and time again is our local food bank. The food bank is a wonderful place for groups of any size to volunteer. I’ve learned a great deal about food banks in general; some of the facts surprised me.

For instance, do you know at what place your state ranks for food insecurity? A 2017 survey revealed that my state ranks as the fifth worst state for food insecurity! I would have never guessed this.

Many statistics about local food insecurity startle- and sadden- me. If you’ve never researched food insecurity statistics for your own state, I encourage you to do so. You may be surprised at what you find! I guarantee that, if you do, you’ll find a new place in your heart for your local food bank and the work that they do. I had preconceived notions about my local food bank prior to volunteering. After taking our group there are few times, I started sharing things that I had learned about the food bank with others. Here are 5 Things that I’ve Learned from Volunteering at a Food Bank.

5 Things I've Learned from Volunteering at a Food Bank AD

1- Donation food is excellent, but monetary donations are great, too! Food banks can supply several meals for just $1! Our local food bank states that they can supply 7 meals for $1. That is definitely a lot more than I could provide for $1. While I donate canned goods and other healthy foods during collection periods, the food bank can stretch my dollar farther than I am able.

5 Things I've Learned from Volunteering at a Food Bank AD

2- Food banks get support from not only the community, but they can get support from brand companies, too. For instance, Gold Peak® is currently partnering with Feeding America to help fight hunger. For every person who texts “GIVE” to 26739, Gold Peak will donate a $1 to Feeding America. Each $1 = 10 meals to people in need! While this is a general donation, Gold Peak is selecting 10 food banks to receive a $1,000 donation. Until 6/30/18, the 10 food banks who receive the most support will receive the donation. Head here to enter your local bank into the running.

5 Things I've Learned from Volunteering at a Food Bank AD

5 Things I've Learned from Volunteering at a Food Bank AD

3- Some food banks collect non-food items. Many food banks will distribute personal care items and toiletries. I always thought of a food bank as only “food.” Check the website or call your local food bank to see if they collect personal care items and to get a list of their most needed items.

4- Food banks are there to not only feed families in need, but also to help families consume healthy meals. When donating food, I donate canned vegetables, proteins, unsweetened beverages and not junk food or sweets. For families in need, it’s important for them to receive a boxed well-balanced meal.

5 Things I've Learned from Volunteering at a Food Bank AD

5- Donating is important, but volunteering is, too! Food banks rely on volunteers for everything from unwrapping pallets, stocking shelves, assisting with special events, and more. I am on an email list for our local food bank. Each quarter, I receive an email with their volunteer needs and how our group can help. Click here to find your local bank to support. Check out their website to find the email for their volunteer coordinator. They will be delighted to have you on their volunteer list!

5 Things I've Learned from Volunteering at a Food Bank AD

5 Things I've Learned from Volunteering at a Food Bank AD

Find Gold Peak Tea at your local Target retailer. Find out more about Feeding America here and Gold Peak Tea’s support of food banks here.

3 Father’s Day Card Ideas Made with the Cricut
DIY Father’s Day Cupcake Topper

Comments

  1. Alli Smith says

    May 31, 2018 at 7:57 am

    I sometimes forget that I can donate money to my local food banks. I usually concentrate on the food. Thanks for the reminder!

    Reply
  2. candy says

    May 31, 2018 at 7:58 am

    We work and donate our time to the local food bank. Really helped my kids see the need in the community and not to judge.

    Reply
  3. Tasheena says

    May 31, 2018 at 8:41 am

    I love how they’re giving back to the community. Volunteering at a food bank is a wonderful way to give back.

    Reply
  4. Jeanette says

    May 31, 2018 at 9:02 am

    I love to donate my time and I know I learned so much every time I do. This summer I intend on getting my kiddos involved and doing a food bank! I know that they will learn so much about others and compassion!

    Reply
  5. Amber Myers says

    May 31, 2018 at 10:02 am

    I need to volunteer at the food bank sometime. We have one not too far away. I have donated to them before!

    Reply
  6. Janet says

    May 31, 2018 at 11:21 am

    Having trouble leaving a comment, so trying again. Kudos to you for thinking of others. Compassion is a beautiful thing!

    Reply
  7. kelly says

    May 31, 2018 at 1:43 pm

    Great tips, I didn’t realize some banks took non-food items as well. #client

    Reply
  8. valmg @ Mom Knows It All says

    May 31, 2018 at 4:29 pm

    The statistics on how many people are going hungry are saddening. We did visit a food bank one county over from us a couple of years back and it was very impressive.

    Reply
  9. sara says

    May 31, 2018 at 6:42 pm

    I also recently worked with our local food bank and it was so meaningful! Most people do not realize how many hungry people are all around us.

    Reply
  10. Katie says

    May 31, 2018 at 7:38 pm

    Thank you for volunteering! The company I work for has food banks as clients in order to help solicit donations from their donor database. I really like help out the non-profits.

    Reply
  11. Anosa Malanga says

    June 1, 2018 at 2:53 am

    Donating is really a great way to share our blessing to other people. Its a simple act that can be a good way to influence others too. Also this makes us learn more about life and appreciate our lives as well.

    Reply
  12. Shoshana Sue says

    June 1, 2018 at 4:50 am

    I am so glad to hear that food banks also help families eat healthy food. This is really great as they go beyond to help people stay healthy. It is wonderful that brands also support food banks, thanks for sharing what you learned.

    Reply
  13. Chubskulit Rose says

    June 1, 2018 at 5:32 am

    We donate canned goods to Food Banks thru our school and church. It’s one of their biggest programs that community participates to.

    Reply
  14. Lisa Favre says

    June 1, 2018 at 6:55 am

    I love the fact that food banks also encourage healthy eating. I think this is a small gesture that can go a long way for many families who are in need.

    Reply
  15. Tomi C says

    June 1, 2018 at 9:02 am

    My kids and I volunteer at our local food bank a couple of times each year. It’s something they look forward to doing and they can see firsthand that there is a need.

    Reply
  16. Angela Ricardo says

    June 1, 2018 at 11:10 am

    We love supporting and giving back to our local community. By doing so not only does it provide hope, but as well as a positive feedback in the community to start doing the same. It is great to know they also encourage healthy habits.

    Reply
  17. Jess says

    June 2, 2018 at 1:09 am

    I totally want to do this one day. I just can’t ever get the timing lined up right so far!

    Reply
  18. Reesa Lewandowski says

    June 3, 2018 at 10:35 am

    Wow what an amazing and selfless experience. It is crazy how many people in this country are going hungry!

    Reply
  19. Glenda Cates says

    June 3, 2018 at 11:48 am

    I love knowing people are willing to Volunteer and help out because without these places people would suffer and not be able to eat. Now that we are Homeschooling I will be checking into the ages to see if my son and I can help our as it would count as one of his classes while teaching him to give back to others.

    Reply
  20. Saundra says

    June 24, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Our church has food pantry & also a clothes pantry. I have volunteered there several ti es. Everyone receives s box with food & personal items. We also have a truck that comes once a month for pets. The church receives food from local stores & in the summer we have a garden to supply fresh vegetables.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

     
   
 
   
DISCLAIMER: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of all information on this website, It Happens in a Blink, LLC, makes no guarantee to the procedures shared here. It Happens in a Blink, LLC, is not responsible or liable for direct, indirect, or consequential damages or personal grievances resulting from the use of any information on ItHappensinaBlink.com. This website is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a professional.
    I love sharing my ideas and projects, and I love when others like them enough to want to share them too! If you would like to share a pattern or project, please refer to my Terms of Use for copyright details.This is a personal blog written and edited by me. If you have any questions, you may always contact me. I take great pride in maintaining the integrity of this site and building it as an honest and reliable source of information and inspiration for my readers. Please note that no photos of my children are to be republished on another blog under any circumstances. Read my full Privacy Policy Here: https://ithappensinablink.com/privacy-policy/ Read my full Disclosure Policy Here: https://ithappensinablink.com/disclosure-policy/

Crafts

Christmas Swags from Christmas Tree Trimmings

Christmas Swags from Christmas Tree Trimmings

Use trimmings from the Christmas tree to make a lovely Christmas swag. This post … [Read More...]

Blog Partners

Everywhere

Recipes

Single Serving Lemonade recipe for a refreshing beverage on a hot day!

Single Serving Lemonade

Summer and lemonade go hand in hand, right? My kids love lemonade. My daughter … [Read More]

Kid’s Crafts

How to Create the Perfect Craft Stick Star Ornament

How to Create the Perfect Craft Stick Star Ornament

This Craft Stick Star Ornament decorating craft project is great for children's … [Read More...]

© 2019 · Fun Genesis WordPress Theme