One of the best ways to give back to your community is by volunteering at a food bank, and it also gives parents a meaningful way to discuss hunger with kids. It's difficult to think that many local families don't have the resources to consistently provide dinner.
Get your family involved in donating both food and time, through one of the many organizations that offer to accommodate one-time volunteers. The experience may even spark your child's interest, and make volunteering a regular family event. Here are some suggestions of beginner-friendly programs to get you started:
1.) The Food Bank @ St. Mary's
Located in Seattle's Central District, this program provides groceries to those in need through a walk-in food bank and home delivery program. Volunteers help with various projects, such as sorting food donations, distributing food to customers, picking up donations, and delivering groceries to homebound residents.
2.) Food Lifeline's Community Volunteer Nights
These nights take place in Shoreline and South Seattle every other week. Families can help sort, label, and repackage food for distribution to families in need. Last year, Food Lifeline distributed more than 30 million meals to feed hungry people throughout Western Washington. Online reservation for these events is required, as they book up fast.
3.) Hopelink
These emergency service centers in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Shoreline, and Sno-Valley welcome help stocking and sorting food donations. Most volunteer opportunities occur Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., but Hopelink's Family Saturdays offer a way to serve together on the weekend. Make sure to reserve your spot early—these events "sell out".
This organization operates statewide in Washington, with a network of more than 350 food banks, meal programs, and services to high-need schools. Volunteers can help by sorting and packaging food at the Kent warehouse, or by sorting, packaging, and distributing food to clients at the Cherry Street Food Bank in South Seattle.
5.) PCC Natural Markets Work Parties
These gatherings take place at various food banks in the Greater Seattle area. Volunteers help package bulk food into family-sized portions. No registration is required; simply show up at the food bank at the scheduled time.
If you're looking for another great way to get your children involved in volunteer work, try out the Kids Helping Kids Campaign. This program provides a way for kids to raise money to support other children experiencing homelessness.
