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From Erie to Philadelphia, our food banks distribute more than 138 million pounds of food to those in need each year. None of this would be possible without the 40,848 individuals who generously donate their time and effort, totaling more than 300,000 hours per year.
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Students from RPI volunteered at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank over spring break.
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We asked our volunteers for their opinion.
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"Every man, woman and child deserves the opportunity to be their best selves, to live healthy lives and pursue their dreams," said Greg Phillips (below right), a volunteer at the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank. "That is infinitely harder to do on an empty stomach. If I am constantly preoccupied with worry or anxiety about where my next meal may come from, how am I expected to be concerned or occupied with being my best self? Neighborhoods and neighbors look out for one another; they pick each other up when they’re down; they provide help, many times when isn’t asked for, and when a return of that favor is neither expected nor required. The food bank provides an incredible opportunity for individuals from a variety of Pittsburgh neighborhoods to come together in order to serve our neighbors."
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Volunteering builds a stronger community, and this Wilkes-Barre veteran knows that well.
The dedicated volunteers at Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank include Thomas Rose (shown volunteering above left), a father, husband, history buff and Iraq War veteran with a strong sense of civic duty. Since moving to the area a few years ago, Rose has been on a mission to take ownership of his community.
Rose is a regular volunteer at the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program, instrumental in onboarding new volunteers and keeping the program running smoothly. Rose was drawn to the backpack program because he wants to share the importance of community engagement with his young son, who in the next few years could be classmates with recipients of the backpacks.
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From children to seniors, volunteers of all ages are welcome. It's never too early or too late to make a difference.
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Philabundance hosts monthly Family Nights, where children and parents can serve alongside each other. Because Sheri, pictured above, wants her son to learn the importance of giving back, she began bringing Kyseer, now nine years old, out to volunteer. At first, she was afraid he might get bored, but she’s been pleasantly surprised by how well he’s taken to it — especially when it comes to more hands-on jobs, like packing and lifting boxes. “It’s a great bonding moment for us,” Sheri says. As someone who’s struggled financially in the past, Sheri understands the need, and hopes other families and individuals will find the time to volunteer as well. For those thinking of taking her advice, she promises it will be an experience you won’t forget.
“It’s going to change you,” Sheri says. “Come out and see what it’s about.”
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We need your talents: diverse skills help keep our food banks running smoothly.
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Maria Arcelay, volunteer coordinator at Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast PA, highlighted a variety of strengths among volunteers at her food bank.
- The Jill-of-all-Trades: Vickie Kahler has volunteered at Second Harvest for five years, and she's done it all! Beginning as a sorter in the warehouse, Kahler now covers a CSFP site, distributing food boxes to seniors and handling registration, while continuing to help in other areas.
- The Dynamic Duo: husband-and-wife team Jim and Kathy Fiedler have organized the sorting area in the warehouse and keep it running well so that product can be efficiently distributed to member agencies.
- The Computer Whiz: Jan Moyer has generated pivot tables on Excel that help record information that the food bank needs for reporting, as well as helping in other areas.
"We would not be able to accomplish all that we do without the help of our amazing volunteers," Arcelay, the volunteer coordinator, said.
Kahler, the Fiedlers, Moyer and Arcelay are pictured above at a recent volunteer appreciation event.
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After retirement, a commitment to service
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Jeff has volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest PA for the past 14 years. This energetic retiree has logged over 2190 hours of service, volunteers in the warehouse four days a week, and even makes the coffee for other volunteers each morning! Jeff lends a hand to a variety of programs at the food bank.
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You can make a difference. Join these volunteers and thousands of others throughout the state and contact your local food bank today!
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Are you inspired and ready to join the tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians who volunteer at our food banks? Click on your regional food bank below to discover more about volunteer opportunities at each location.
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