Here’s How Volunteers Can Work Together To End Hunger

Like the air we breathe and the water we drink, everyone needs food to survive—it is a fundamental human right. And for those of us whose survival has become second nature, we have the ability and privilege to set our hearts to aid others in finding their next meal and eng hunger.

Food insecurity is a widespread problem in the United States. In 2023, it increased for the second straight year. With rising grocery prices and fewer support services available, many US households found it difficult to manage their food budgets.

According to the Urban Institute, more than one in four adults reported experiencing food insecurity by the end of the year. Hunger and food insecurity disproportionately impact low-income households of color, many of which are headed by single mothers. 

This is largely due to historical and systemic racism and discrimination. It has created barriers in areas such as economic opportunity, employment, education, housing, and lending. Despite the high levels of food hardship, the use of charitable food resources remained constant but still above pre-pandemic levels.

Every person only has two hands. To fight the hunger epidemic, we must gather as a collective to accomplish more. Here’s how our aspiring and actionable volunteers help the people who need support the most.

Volunteers Help Our Hunger-Free Mission

Why volunteer at a food bank? Volunteering is invaluable for charitable organizations because it spreads their mission and, more importantly, achieves the goal of aiding the high-level community.

Organizations like the Foodbank are dedicated to ending hunger and need a high volume of volunteers. These volunteers are responsible for collecting, sorting, packing, and distributing food to impoverished communities, including children, seniors, and those in rural areas.

“Our volunteer program is essential to our success as a food bank. By utilizing nearly 7,000 volunteers last year, our volunteer program was roughly the equivalent of twenty-five full-time employees,” said Jeremy Rodden, Foodbank Volunteer Coordinator.

“The volunteer program catalyzes broader community interconnectivity, as more than half of our volunteers are associated with groups such as businesses, military, and other community organizations.”

Not everyone is born into affluence, and many grapple with the destitute challenges of hunger and poverty. Volunteers step in to care for and meet the basic needs of less fortunate individuals in society and/or those in dire need of help — because hunger knows no boundaries.

Unfortunately, hunger can affect anyone, regardless of their current situation. It can be as simple as being laid off from work, receiving an unexpected medical bill, or facing a higher utility bill; these everyday circumstances can quickly escalate into food insecurity.

Each volunteer acts selflessly, extending a helping hand for the betterment and progress of their fellow citizens without expecting repayment. Volunteering at food banks is a universally rewarding experience that allows them to witness the conditions of those in need firsthand, make actionable changes, and see how their contributions transform lives.

How To Get Involved

Joining forces with over 6,000 peers, Foodbank volunteers are the lifeblood of daily operations and assist with vital tasks that include sorting and packing food, managing distribution events, providing administrative support, and engaging in outreach initiatives. All of these volunteer assignments are critical to our mission:

• Mobile Pantry Program: Unloading the mobile pantry truck and distributing pre-packaged food.
• Quality Assurance: Sorting non-perishable food items, packing food for the mobile pantry, and preparing youth-friendly food bags.
• Special Events: Assisting with fundraising events, including food drives.
• Youth and Family Nights: Engaging families with children in sorting or packing food and learning about the Foodbank’s work.

These assignments can accommodate both individuals and groups, providing a range of ways to get involved in the fight against hunger. For those looking for recurring volunteer opportunities, options like delivering food for the Child Nutrition BackPack Program, acting as non-CDL truck drivers, or assisting in office functions are available, requiring specialized skills or training.

The Impact of Our Volunteer-Led Food Relief Efforts in 2024

2024 was a record-breaking fiscal year for the Foodbank and defied the odds despite the rising number of food-insecure individuals. This is how volunteers actually made a difference:

• 24 million pounds of food was distributed to communities in Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore in last year’s single fiscal period.
• Distribution increased by 6.1%, breaking previous records with 21 million pounds of food delivered statewide.
• Foodbank became the fourth-largest food bank in Virginia, defying regional distribution decreases.
• 70% of distributed food had nutritious choices.
• Foodbank led Virginia food banks by distributing 31.9% of food as fresh produce, with a 42% increase in produce distribution in a single year.
• The inventory turn rate rose to 14.3, marking a 155% improvement from the previous year.
• Overall distribution improved by 7.25% on the Foods to Encourage index.

Volunteering at food banks is about making a tangible impact on the lives of people who need it the most. Each act of kindness, every hour spent, brings hope and sustenance to people in our communities. Visit us online to read the Foodbank volunteer description. Contact us for more details on volunteer shifts or the Volunteer Hub.