Food Banks & Pantries

This page is dedicated to outlining other important information regarding food banks and food pantries.

Food Bank

The purpose of a food bank is to store donated food for a certain period of time. After that time period is finished, the food bank distributes the stored food to food organizations and programs in the area (1)

Food Pantry

The purpose of a food pantry is to provide individuals and families with the food from the food banks. Food pantries are places where people can receive the food they need (1)

If you want to volunteer...

It is important to understand where to find volunteer information for food banks and pantries, the process of becoming a volunteer, and what volunteering duties you may be expected to complete.

Where to find volunteer info:

1. Look around the food bank/pantry website

2. Look under website tabs such as "Additional information" or "Get involved"

3. Look under the "FAQ" list on the website

4. Ask food bank/pantry staff via phone, email, or in-person

How to become a volunteer:

Each food bank/pantry will have their own unique process for accepting volunteers; however, here are some processes you can expect:

1. Filling out a volunteer application

2. Completing a background screening/check

3. Contacting and speaking to a volunteer manager or coordinator

4. Going through a volunteer orientation

5. Reading volunteer-related materials

Common volunteer duties:

Each food bank/pantry will have their own volunteer tasks, but here is a list of duties you may complete:

1. Sorting & categorizing donated food

2. Distributing food to customers

3. Meal packaging & meal prepping boxes

4. Stocking shelves

5. Checking expiration dates on donated food

6. Administrative/office tasks

7. Warehouse tasks

8. Picking up food donated food from other places such as grocery stores

If you want to research food banks/pantries in your area..

It can be daunting contacting food banks/pantries and trying to find relevant information about these organizations. Below are some tips, tricks, and templates to help you navigate these processes in your own community.

How to gather information from websites:

1. Look on organization's website

Websites are great starting points to find any and all information about food banks and pantries.
Generally, each organization will have a home page where you can find tid-bits of information about all the organization does.

2. Explore each website tab, or at least skim what information each tab offers

It can be helpful to look at the subtopics underneath each tab.
Some websites have many tabs and subtopics to explore.
It may be helpful to narrow down the information you want to find and then search for tabs and subtopics that are related to that information.

3. Look at the FAQ tab

The FAQ tab often hosts valuable and quick information pertaining to the organization and its processes.
If you cannot find the information you are looking for, it is likely you will find this information in the FAQ tab.

4. If you do not find the information from the website, we suggest you that you call the food bank/pantry for more information

How to gather information from phone calls:

1. Have the information you want to ask about handy

Make a list of information you want to discuss over the phone and make sure it is near you.
You want to be concise and polished over the phone.

2. Have a notepad or piece of paper nearby

Oftentimes, the staff member you connect with will have information ready to give you.
It is helpful to have something to write the information on while you are speaking on the phone so you do not forget the information in the midst of the conversation.
If you need something repeated, ask and be ready to continue writing.

3. Take a few deep breathes before making the phone call

Nerves can sometimes get in the way of effective communication. Taking a few deep breathes will allow you to think and speak clearly throughout the phone call.

4. Be prepared to leave a message

Sometimes, nobody answers the phone, and that is okay.
Have a short message and phone number ready to recite in case you get transferred to the voicemail machine. Leaving a short message and your phone number will allow a staff member to get back to you as soon as they can.

If you are having a hard time gathering information from websites and phone calls, we suggest that you try emailing the food bank or food pantry. Please review the email template below to find more information on how to draft an email.

Email Template

If you would like advice on where to start when sending emails, follow the template below.

Give a short, respectful greeting: Good morning/afternoon/night. I hope your day/week is going well. I hope you're having a wonderful day. I hope all is well.

Introduce yourself if necessary: Hi, my name is BLANK. Hello, I work at BLANK organization. Hi, I am conducting research for BLANK.

State your purpose*: I would like to know more information about BLANK because I would like to use BLANK services.

*This should be the bulk of the email*

Give follow up information if needed: If you have any questions, please contact me at BLANK. If you need any information, don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Give thanks: Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you in advance for addressing my questions.

Give a short, respectful closing: Have a wonderful weekend.

Sign your name: Best Wishes, Kindly, Respectfully, Warmly, NAME.

Phone Call Template

If you would like advice on where to start when making phone calls, follow the template below.

Introduce yourself: Hi! My name is BLANK.

State your purpose: I am calling to find out more information about BLANK.

Clarify and reiterate: Yes, that is the information I am looking for. I need more information about BLANK. That is not quite the information I was looking for, let me rephrase.

Ask questions: Could you repeat that? Could you tell me more about that? Where else can I find this information? Where can I reach you if I need more information?

Give thanks: Thank you for answering my questions! Thank you for that information, it was helpful. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.

Give follow up information if needed: You can reach me at BLANK. You can contact me anytime between BLANK and BLANK.

Sources

(1) Waite, T. (2019, February 20). What is the difference between a food bank and food pantry? Feeding America. https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-blog/what-difference-between-food-bank-and-food-pantry