Spending a day in the Kroger Community Pantry is unlike any other day at the Foodbank. It is the most hands-on experience you can get with our clients.

On Friday, July 13th, I spent time in the pantry finding out what volunteers do, how clients get through the process, and the role of our new Pantry Coordinator, Jessica. I arrived at 11 am and noticed volunteers working very hard to open the pantry. While clients were seated outside waiting for the pantry to open, volunteers were stocking the shelves. At noon, the pantry officially opened, and people kept pouring in. Clients would register before shopping for enough food to feed their family. Rob, an older client, stops by the pantry every Friday for produce and bread to feed his family of two.

About 25 volunteers come in for each shift, and each lasts about two to three hours. Volunteers do a multitude of things at the pantry: stock shelves, sort out produce, tear boxes, work the registration desk, and help clients shop. At the end of the day, I helped Bruce, a young volunteer, stock the shelves. Bruce has been a volunteer for four months and enjoys learning new things about the Foodbank. Jessica Wright and Kim Adams are in charge of the pantry, which has seen as many as 214 families a day! Jessica’s main roles are to make sure the pantry is stocked and

to coordinate and train volunteers. She enjoys meeting people and seeing the impact on the community. Agency Services VISTA, Kim, assists and answers client questions.

I would highly recommend taking a lunch break on a Tuesday or Friday to see the pantry during its peak time. Those days are the busiest and really express the need in the community for food.

Originally published on Off the Rack.