PMIBC Chapter – Maryland Food Bank Volunteer Event

Date and Time: Saturday, October 19, 2024, 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: Maryland Food Bank – 4710D Trident Court, Lansdowne, MD  21227
PDUs: 2.5 PDUs (Giving Back)
Cost: N/A

Abstract:

The Maryland Food Bank is a non-profit organization whose mission is to end hunger and diminish food insecurity. With the cost of inflation, many families struggle to provide their families with basic needs such as shelter, health insurance, heat, and food. The Maryland Food Bank is a resource that provides food assistance to children, seniors, and working families. The organization relies on generous donations and contributions from individuals, Big Box stores, and large food chains for sustainment.

Objective:

PMIBC is working to form a partnership with the Maryland Food Bank. Through this collaboration, members will volunteer their time to serve communities within our geographic footprint, alongside other local non-profit organizations.

What to Expect:

Sorting and Packing: Volunteers may sort through donated food items, ensuring they are properly categorized and packaged for distribution.

Quality Control: Volunteers inspect donated food items to ensure they meet safety and quality standards. This may involve checking expiration dates, inspecting packaging for damage, and verifying the condition of perishable goods.

Sorting: Volunteers categorize donated food items into different groups based on type (e.g., canned goods, dry goods, perishables) and nutritional value (e.g., protein-rich items, fruits and vegetables).

Organizing: Once sorted, volunteers systematically organize the food items within the warehouse shelves or storage areas. This organization helps streamline the distribution process and ensures efficient access to items when assembling orders.

Packaging: Volunteers then pack the sorted food items into appropriate containers or boxes for distribution. This step involves carefully arranging items to maximize space efficiency while ensuring that fragile or perishable items are handled with care.

Guidelines:

• No one under 13 years old may attend.
• Volunteers under 18 years old must be accompanied by a guardian with a signed permission form.
• The maximum number of volunteers per organization is 20.
• Farm work or warehouse tasks are available on weekends.
• Kitchen or office volunteer opportunities are not available on weekends.
• Warehouse tasks include unpacking boxes, sorting items, bundling items, bending, and lifting boxes.

REGISTRATION

• Each volunteer must sign all waiver and liability forms and agree to the Health Policy Agreement.
• Each volunteer will register individually using the link below.

STEP 1:  Register at www.pmibaltimore.org (to earn 2.5 PDUs in the Giving Back Category)

STEP 2:  Register at https://vhub.at/PMIBC (before October 19, 2024)

Log in or create an account

Click the “sign up” button for your shift

STEP 3:  You’re all set!

NOTE:  If volunteers do not register a week before the event, the Maryland Food Bank will release the remaining spots to another group since they want to ensure they have sufficient volunteers.

Key Takeaways:

Overall, volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the Maryland Food Bank’s efforts to alleviate hunger in the community by dedicating their time and efforts to various essential tasks.

Volunteers directly contribute to the Maryland Food Bank’s mission of providing nutritious food to individuals and families facing food insecurity by participating in sorting and packing activities. Their efforts help ensure that donated food reaches those who need it most, promoting food access and community support.