Gransnet forums

Chat

Volunteering at a food bank.

(11 Posts)
littleflo Sat 22-Oct-22 16:54:49

I have just returned from my first stint as a food bank volunteer. I met a lovely group of people, from young teens to oldies like myself.

I am so in awe of the wonderful people who donate to the food bank. While I was there, the back door was constantly ringing with individuals dropping off supplies,.

Redhead56 Sat 22-Oct-22 16:59:52

Well that’s very nice to hear glad you enjoyed it. I contribute to our local food bank but they do have lots of volunteers already.

MissAdventure Sat 22-Oct-22 17:32:40

smile
What a lovely thing to have done with your time, littleflo.
Are you going to do regular stints now you've had your induction?

littleflo Sat 22-Oct-22 17:47:31

Yes hopefully, if they will have me. The first place I applied had enough volunteers but they put me in touch with this much larger one.

I also now have a much better understanding of how they work. I did not know that people are limited in the number of times they can receive parcels. Also that it is not only food parcels. Recipients get a hot drink, a biscuit, someone to chat to. and can be put in touch with other Agencies for help.

I am a bit ashamed of my ignorance.

MissAdventure Sat 22-Oct-22 17:54:18

Oh no, there would be no way of knowing that, ordinarily; but the more people who do, the better, I think.

Was it busy with customers?

I wouldn't have thought about them being open on a Saturday.

JaneJudge Sat 22-Oct-22 18:03:50

There is no need to feel ashamed. Well done for doing something worthwhile that benefits others

Allsorts Sat 22-Oct-22 18:09:16

Well done littleflo, it’s a nice feeling helping out, makes you realise how lucky we are.

littleflo Sat 22-Oct-22 18:25:13

I could not tell how many customers there were as I was out the back sorting. I found it very therapeutic. The 4 hours flew by and I had a good work out too. It was brilliantly organised. Going in, it seemed chaotic, then gradually things are stacked and put away and a sense of calm prevailed

Chocolatelovinggran Sat 22-Oct-22 18:28:55

Well done you, littleflo: I too, enjoy my shift each week. Welcome to the world of foodbankers! What I'd quite like is for us to be redundant soon ...

NotAGran55 Sat 22-Oct-22 18:59:09

Great to hear how much you enjoyed your first session Littleflo. Welcome to our sadly vital service.

littleflo Sat 22-Oct-22 19:04:54

I agree it was interesting to hear the Supervisors say ‘their aim is to obsolete’.