VOLUNTEER AT A FOOD BANK

If you've ever complained about being fat, or about being too full after a big meal...

...take a moment to be grateful that you can afford such "problems". Every night, many children and adults in North America go to bed hungry.

Food banks serve poor people living in the community, by collecting and distributing food to those who are in need. Most communities of any size have a food bank, and all welcome volunteers. While the need is often greatest around the Christmas holidays, more people volunteer at this time of year too. So consider volunteering year-round, or occasionally during the year, to a food bank in your area.

What Do Volunteers Do?

Food bank volunteers may help to sort food for distribution. Donations to food banks don't come sorted, so you might help put items in piles so that each needy family gets a good variety of food items. Or, you may help to sort out items for infants, for example, that can be set aside for poor families with babies to feed.

Other volunteer tasks may include boxing pre-selected food items, helping with special events such as food drives, making flyers for fundraising and food drive projects, or doing office/clerical work.

How to Get Started

In the U.S., check the America's Second Harvest website to find a location near you. You may contact them using the information provided, to ask about volunteer opportunities. (US only)

In Canada, the Daily Bread Food Bank website provides volunteering information and opportunities. (Canada only)

You can also check your phone book or Yellow Pages under "Food Banks" to find a location near you.