Like people many, I donate food every year in those large Baton Rouge Food Bank bins. And like many people, I don't know what happens to the food from there, or who my decision to donate will impact.Yesterday I found out. Around Christmastime as I was looking for volunteer opportunities I came across HOPE Ministries online. I sent an email asking to volunteer in any capacity that week in their food pantry. Although there was nothing available that week, the Supervisor of Volunteer Services Joseph Sergio emailed me back with dates and volunteer hours, I finally was able to schedule a date to volunteer. The pantry operates 9am - Noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
When I arrived at HOPE Ministries and saw people waiting outside, I can say I was a little nervous about what Joseph would have me doing, but he showed me around and introduced me to his staff...who was great!....and gave a rundown of their daily operations.The pantry at HOPE Ministries is a "Client Choice Food Pantry", meaning those in need are allowed to come through the pantry and "shop" the shelves, instead of just being handed a box of food at the door and sent on their way. Those living in the 70805 zip code must provide proof of income and the names and birth dates of all members of the household to determine eligibility and each client is allowed to shop only once a month. The pantry serves the first 30 people in line.....explaining the line I saw out front....Giving clients the opportunity to select their own items based on what they know they need in the household not only reduces waste, creates an atmosphere of dignity for clients by enabling them to shop in a grocery store-like setting.
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| Stocking the shelves |
After meeting my fellow volunteers...several college students (two of which drive over an hour to volunteer)....we stocked the shelves with the food items that were to be given away and then we selected the part of the pantry we wanted to work. With the pantry set up like a grocery store, produce, meat (frozen), bread, canned vegetables, we were each able to chose a section. Because I had stocked the canned green beans and new potatoes, I chose that section. As a client came around with their basket, I helped them select and bag their items. They were given choices like canned pork or tuna, green beans, soups, and peas or red beans.
The pantry also had a large selection of pastry items and chips to give as well.....this was also the part that troubled me. Each client was given a choice of ONE can of vegetables from each of the four shelves I was working, but they were also given four pastry items....large items, like a dozen cupcakes or cookies. So clients were indeed given their four cans of veggies, but also could leave with four dozen cupcakes. As I walked clients through the pantry and helped them make selections, you could not help noticing MOST were Black and many were in poor health. Although these were people who have little income, I feel that shouldn't equate to poor diet or nutrition. I just felt helpless....like we could and should be doing more for them...
With 75% of the food at the pantry coming from the Baton Rouge Food Bank, the remaining comes from donations from individuals and area churches. The pantry is forced to give what they have, when they have it, and clients must make their monthly selection from that. I want to find new ways to help the pantry continue to give more food to clients....but more of the right food.
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| Volunteers and Pantry Staff |
How can you help?? Donating to the food bank or directly to the pantry is not just important throughout the holiday season! You know those Baton Rouge Food Bank bins??? Why can't we see more of them year round?? I know at the Capitol ours pops up only around the holidays. I want everyone to take the time once a month to donate, and think about what you're going to give...veggies, produce, rice, bread, cereals, etc. The pantry even accepts toiletry items and BABY FOOD...which they have a shortage of.
My experience yesterday was truly humbling and allowed me to experience what many in Baton Rouge face daily: wondering where their next meal may come from. I hope to continue my work with the pantry and helping those in need, I hope you all would take the time to do the same.
Contact HOPE Ministries today and see how you can get involved!
HOPE Ministries
4643 Winbourne Avenue
Baton Rouge, La 70805
225.355.0702
