What a pleasure it was volunteering at the Vancouver Food bank recently. With sixteen LOT members in attendance, we were determined to represent the LOT program as a group full of enthusiasm, and help to the best of our ability. With donations having decreased 7%, and its customer base increasing by 10%, the Food Bank definitely had its work cut out for them this season. The daily routine at the Food Bank ranges from sorting canned goods to checking expiry dates. We found the toughest chore to be finding expiry dates, and were surprised to discover a few cans and packages that had expired in 1978!

It was a pleasure meeting and working with Vanessa, the Food Bank’s Warehouse Food Sorting Coordinator, who helped guide us through our tasks, and inspired and pushed us every step of the way. As a team, we were able to sort and package enough goods to feed 500 people and provide 170 emergency packs to each family that comes into the Food Bank. It was rewarding to work as a team with a common purpose, and we definitely grew as a committee as the day went on. We were pleased to note that many of the donations consisted of healthy foods. More importantly, we recognized how vital donations are to the Food Bank given the staggering number of people who come to the Food Bank every month and rely on their assistance.  Overall, it was a wonderful experience for us as individuals and as a team. We hope to maintain a strong relationship with the Vancouver Food Bank and continue to pursue volunteering opportunities in the near future.

Article By: Chris Paredes