Working As A Volunteer For A Food Bank By Benedict T. Palen, Jr.

Here in America, many people are used to having all or most of what they want when it comes to food. For those who are reasonably well off, it may not occur to them that the lack of enough food is a daily issue for a fairly size able segment of the population.   Many of those folks in need rely on food banks for regular nutritional needs.

It is both a humbling and satisfying experience to volunteer at a food bank, and something that I would recommend, without hesitation, for people who can find 1-2 hours a week to help out.  Let’s be honest—we can find that small amount of time if we really want to make a difference.   Put aside the focus on oneself and do something for others. You will find it to be highly rewarding.

As a long time volunteer with charitable organizations, the memories that I will carry with me for all of my days come from the simplest acts of kindness—handing packages of food to those in need, and seeing their faces brighten up, and receiving a heartfelt thank you from them, or helping to sort food received in a food bank warehouse so that quality products were provided to its customers. 

This is simple stuff. It falls into the category of the little things in life that I have written about elsewhere. But it is these little things that help to give us meaning in our lives, and help us to maintain a perspective as we go about our daily routines.

Volunteers are always needed at food banks and other charitable organizations.  Check them out, and no doubt you can find one where there is a good fit.   You will find that you get back far more than you give of your time.