Compassion, the core of volunteering in our food programs
Written by Ashley Grossman, social media and content manager for The Salvation Army Northern Division
“We have an immediate need for volunteers serving others at our Friday Food Fare in St. Paul. If you can lend a hand, please apply.” Encouraging our followers on social media to volunteer in 140 characters is part of my daily routine; and, yes, you will find that statement fits comfortably within a tweet.
I work at The Salvation Army divisional headquarters in Roseville, and it is part of my job to connect people to open volunteer positions. Recently, my colleagues and I had an opportunity to lend a helping hand by distributing groceries in St. Paul at the West 7th Salvation Army’s “Friday Food Fare.”
This program is planned by a long-time, dedicated volunteer named Randy Hamilton. He is assisted by Salvation Army staff, community volunteers and groups that offer their support on a regular basis, including the St. Paul open school and the Inver Hills nursing program.
The Friday Food Fare runs on the hard work provided by volunteers and the compassion volunteers give to their guests.
“The quality that happens when the volunteers are here surpasses what we could manufacture alone,” said social worker Molly Schuneman. “The experience that our guests have when they come through our lines helps them forget where they might have come from and what they potentially have to go back to. We try to make it a pleasant and fun experience with great customer service.”
Schuneman’s statement couldn’t ring more true. As we were preparing for our guests to arrive, the leader of our team made a point to say how we should “treat every person walking through these doors as a customer. Ask them about their day and make conversation. If you put a smile on their face, you did your job.”
Before we knew it, four hours had gone by in a flash.
I remember talking with my colleagues about our experience and each of them agreed that the best part of the day was seeing the faces of those we served light up after finding their favorite treat.
About Friday Food Fare
The food in this grocery distribution are often donated from places like Second Harvest, Lunds and Byerly’s. Many of the items are only one day past their expiration date. While grocery stores have regulations to follow regarding product expiration, many of the items they donate to our food programs are perfectly fine to eat.
In fact, expiration dates serve as a guideline on when certain foods should be consumed, often with a three- to seven-day grace period.
All food items going into the bags of visitors have been thoroughly looked over by staff and volunteers before being placed on the tables. Anything that is bruised, too hard, or has been near mold, is thrown out.
Each guest is allowed to take a rationed amount of fresh produce so that there is enough for all guests in need that day.
“For the most part, everybody gets the opportunity for equal amounts,” Schuneman said. “Sometimes we have leftovers that are brought to the front lobby.”
On this day we had an abundance of bread items, allowing guests to take home as many as they could carry.
Truthfully, I was happy to be on bread duty. I didn’t have to limit anyone’s options, and I had a blast finding their favorite types of bread. Loaves made with darker grains and topped with seeds seemed to be the crowd favorite.
There were times when I was concerned with how our guests would get their groceries home. Many of them placed their food in suitcases or duffle bags. I was hoping they didn’t have to walk far or that they arranged a ride home like a few of our other guests.
In the end, we sent hundreds of people home with a week’s worth of groceries. This is only a small glimpse into the humbling and impactful work that happens daily at The Salvation Army.
How You Can Help
Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, the largest food drive in Minnesota, is underway. Every dollar you share helps support our local food programs in Minnesota. Just $1.79 buys a hot meal and $15 buys a bag of groceries for someone in need. You can also have an experience like the one my colleagues and I had when you volunteer at any one of our food pantries or hot meal programs.