Thank You Volunteers, for Nearly 300,000 Hours of Service!

Since the Maryland Food Bank began tracking volunteer activity in 2017, 36,000 volunteers have given more than 295,000 hours of their time – that’s the equivalent of nearly 34 years of service!

But according to Doug Vitro, the food bank’s Senior Volunteer Manager, the value of volunteering to the organization can’t be understated.

“Volunteers are critical to our mission, and for more reasons than you might expect,” shared Doug.

In addition to the sheer volume of hours that volunteers so kindly give (equivalent to having 20 full-time staff each year), it’s the community-building aspect that Doug is especially humbled by. “Our volunteers are the community that we want to see in the world – advocates who choose to use their time and talents to bring about a more fair and just food system for all Marylanders, both at the food bank and beyond.”

Evolving Volunteering

When thinking about volunteering at a food bank, most picture people sorting and packing food, and they wouldn’t be wrong. The vast majority of volunteer efforts at the Maryland Food Bank revolve around those activities, but there are a number of other ways that volunteers help the food bank run smoothly.

Without the support of volunteers helping in the Charles T. Bauer Community Kitchen, fewer kids would be able to enjoy tasty and healthy meals at Summer and Supper Clubs; food bank team members would have to spend more time on administrative tasks like welcoming visitors at the reception desk; and community partners would have a more challenging time navigating Marketplace.

Thankfully, our volunteers provide a consistent and welcome source of support, allowing the food bank to have an even greater impact on the lives of hungry Marylanders.

Different Ways to Help, Different Experiences

During a recent gathering, members of the Volunteer Leadership Council shared some of their thoughts and recollections on the food bank’s Volunteer Program, which includes tasks that are hands-on with food, and other that are more administrative in nature.

“I think volunteering in the kitchen is really Zen-like, you can spend 2 1/2 hours putting oranges in plastic bags, it’s very, very relaxing,” said Martha Taylor.

“At the front desk, I was the voice of the food bank to people calling in, and that felt important,” shared Hollie Pakulla.

While some volunteers, like Martha and Holly, develop an interest for one type of project and come back time and time again to enjoy that sense of fulfillment and familiarity, others, like Dave Shea prefer to try a variety of tasks, to get a fuller experience.

“Volunteering in the kitchen, you have to imagine the people you are helping, but at the reception desk, you get to interact with neighbors,” Dave noted.

And in a friendly display of competition, Martha described the kitchen as “a warm and friendly place, where we have fun – we even play Justin Bieber” to which Dave replied, “Yeah, well, the warehouse is more classic rock…”

Chip Hiebler, who has volunteered in many roles at the food bank alongside his wife Cathy, is currently doing administrative work with the Food Access Support Services Team (FASST Program).

“When people visit the University of Maryland Medical System, some are identified as ‘potentially needing food assistance,’ and I get to call them and connect them with 15 pound boxes of food delivered to their door at no cost – it’s very rewarding,” he said.

In addition to assisting with those day-to-day tasks, volunteers have the opportunity to pitch in and support us during special events, like collecting food and funds at Bruce Springsteen concerts, Orioles and Ravens games, and during our yearly event with WBAL.

Holly likes using her affinity to listen during the food bank’s annual Telethon, which takes place on Giving Tuesday.

“Working the Telethon is the best! People LOVE to tell stories, and I may be the only person they talk to that day, that’s special.”

Culture Leads to Community

While we’ve heard lots of different reasons about why people choose to give their time, most have something to do with the opportunity to help others.

However, many volunteers find that their actions help themselves as well, and there is plenty of data to back that up.

In terms of physical health, one Harvard School of Public Health study showed that volunteers were much more likely to use the healthcare system (getting vaccinated, having routine tests, etc.) and overall, spend 38% fewer nights in the hospital when compared to their peers who do not volunteer.

But it’s not just physical health that volunteering can improve.

“Volunteering at the Maryland Food Bank really can be a social activity if you want it to be,” said Gwen Farrugia, Volunteer Coordinator, the Maryland Food Bank. “It’s a great opportunity to get involved in teamwork, and interact with people who share your mindset,” she continued.

According to a Habitat for Humanity survey, more than 30% of older adult volunteers said they were “a great deal better off,” and 50% overall volunteers reported feeling “better off” since they started.

“Some of us have been ‘working for free’ for more than a decade – we go out for coffee, lunch, or dinner after shifts, we even have parties,” said Carol McDade.

(Volun)teers of Joy

Among those thousands of volunteers, an extremely passionate group of supporters goes even further, by volunteering for the Volunteer Leadership Council. This group is vital to the overall health of the program, meeting regularly to chat about best practices, ways to expand their impact, and to continue building that sense of community.

Annually, during the 3rd week of April, the culmination of our celebration of National Volunteer Appreciation Week has been honoring one special supporter – and bestowing them with the title “Volunteer of the Year,” with previous years celebrating Jack Ray (2023) Martha Taylor (2024).