NEW ORLEANS – From Second Harvest Food Bank:
Second Harvest will celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month throughout April with a series of events to thank and acknowledge the contributions of more than 18,000 volunteers who give their time to fight hunger across South Louisiana each year. Second Harvest also is inviting community members who have never volunteered to learn more about opportunities.
Volunteers use their talent and experience to fill critical roles at Second Harvest Food Bank like sorting, packing, and distributing food at community food events, as well as plating and packaging meals for children and seniors in the Second Harvest community kitchens. Second Harvest also welcomes support from volunteers with administrative skills, board and committee expertise, or special skills and interests such as fundraising, advocacy, and education, among other areas.
“It would be impossible for Second Harvest to distribute 36 million meals annually without the commitment of volunteers,” said Natalie Jayroe, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank. “Our volunteer support is the equivalent of an additional 26 full-time staff members annually but, the need continues to grow.”
With summer just two months away, Second Harvest needs even more volunteers. Louisiana’s decision to not participate in the 2024 federally funded Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program has created an even greater need for food assistance for families with children across South Louisiana this summer. Families with children who qualify for free breakfast and lunch during the school year will find themselves turning to local food pantries and summer feeding programs to feed their children.
“Everyone has a role to play in the fight against hunger, especially this summer,” said Jayroe. “It will take additional volunteers to ensure that our children are receiving the nutritious meals and snacks they need to thrive during their summer break.”
In addition to addressing the increased need for food assistance families experience during the summer months, Second Harvest must be prepared to address the unique needs of seniors and families who rely on the food bank and its 450-plus community partners all year long.
“I accidentally got retired and was looking for a good place to put my time. I thought, ‘everybody needs to eat,’” said Carol Carpenter, a volunteer who donates her time in the Second Harvest community kitchen each week. “It’s an important mission. It’s so vital. It’s always good to know that you’re doing a good thing but knowing that a kid might get a meal that they wouldn’t otherwise get, that’s wonderful,” added Carpenter.
From retirees finding joy in giving back, students earning service hours, businesses seeking employee team building through volunteering, and organizations engaging in meaningful work, Second Harvest brings individuals and groups from many backgrounds and interests together to fight hunger.
“It is rewarding to witness the hard work, dedication, and commitment that volunteers bring to Second Harvest Food Bank daily,” said LaShondra Glover, community outreach supervisor. “No experience is necessary to volunteer, just a willingness to participate. We provide training for any task a volunteer may be asked to tackle.”
Volunteer Appreciation events will take place at Second Harvest Food Bank (700 Edwards Avenue) each week in April. The monthlong observance will culminate with a Volunteer Fest and Awards Ceremony on April 24 featuring delicious food, music from the Big Easy Brawlers, and an awards ceremony to recognize volunteers.
Learn more about Volunteer Appreciation Month at www.no-hunger.org/volunteer.
