Volunteers helped serve nearly 50 million meals with Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
April is National Volunteer Month and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, an affiliate of Feeding America and Feeding Pennsylvania, is celebrating the many volunteers that have showed up and continued to share their time, energy and passion in making sure food is accessible to all.
As a non-profit organization, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, with locations in Harrisburg and Williamsport, relies on volunteers to inspect items for quality control, sort like items together in larger bins, and then pack food into smaller boxes making sure donated and rescued food is ready for easy distribution at its network of more than 1,200 local pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other partners throughout its 27-county territory.
Last year, over 10,673 volunteers (working individually and as part of group efforts, first time as well as returning volunteers) donated 84,000 hours of their time to help their neighbors in need.
“I know now to never take my circumstances for granted. Everyone needs a helping hand. I have the power and ability to make someone’s day and to make an impact–whether I know it or not,” said first time volunteer Aaron Clark, who sees volunteering as a joyful necessity—one that has taught him an important life lesson.
While volunteering in person may not be an option for everyone, becoming a virtual volunteer is a great way for anyone to give their time and talent where the Food Bank needs it the most. All you’ll need is an internet connection and your passion.
- Start a virtual food drive or online fundraiser
Consider, “volunteering” to start a virtual food drive. A virtual food drive allows you to help many more of your neighbors in need by raising funds for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. The Food Bank can purchase food in bulk quantities at less-than-wholesale prices including fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and center-of-the-plate proteins which can’t be donated in a traditional food drive. The $1 that you might spend on one can of green beans can provide 6 full meals through a virtual food drive. It is a simple and immediate way to help end hunger in central Pennsylvania. - Get on social
You can help spread the word about food assistance in your area or ways your family and friends can give back to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank simply by following us and sharing our posts. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter ,LinkedIn - Fight for the programs that help end hunger
Our neighbors need more support than what we can provide on our own. Take action and help us build a powerful movement. Together, government, employers, communities, neighbors, and others can address the root causes of food insecurity to ensure that every family has access to adequate food and nutrition by becoming an advocate. - Shop for a Cause
Find out what companies are hosting a giving event where you can give back simply by buying a product, like Amazon Smile.
The outpouring of support from central Pennsylvanians has given the food bank a strong position to plan for the future; to play a role in building resiliency in our communities and turn the charitable food network into a force for ending hunger before it starts.
“Together we can leverage our mutual strengths to have a greater impact to help our neighbors until the day we can declare that our mission of fighting hunger, improving lives, and strengthening communities is complete,” added Joe Arthur, Executive Director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
