On Sunday July 16th I'm inviting you and your kids ages 4 and up to join us at the San Francisco Food Bank for a morning of fun, friendship and service for the entire community. Once a week on Sundays the Food Bank allows kids ages 4 and up to come to their warehouse in Dogpatch to pick, sort and pack food that will fill lots of hungry bellies.
Mia and I volunteered earlier this year—the experience was a gift for both of us. I got to share my love of hands-on community service with my girl, and she made new friends, learned what a forklift does, and discovered an affinity for building boxes. That day we collectively sorted over 40 TONS of clementines! Food insecurity is a major issue across the country for lots of families
I'd love to see you and your kiddies at the Food Bank on Sunday, July 16 from 9-11am. RSVP on Facebook and read on for more details on what to expect!
Food Bank Volunteering FAQs
Q: How do I know if my child is ready to volunteer?
A: Only you know if your kid is really ready. The technical requirements for our day are over age 4 and taller than 36". The biggest thing to keep in mind is that we'll be working in a warehouse so safety is paramount. There are signs all over reminding the folks who can read to watch out for forklifts, and which areas to stay out of. So if your kid is in the "I'm going to break away and run as fast as I can in the opposite direction" stage, they probably aren't ready.
With this in mind, on our last volunteer day there were lots of toddlers and everyone followed the rules and we had a great time!
Q: What should I wear?
A: It was cold when we were there, even though we were moving around most of the time. Layers are great and make sure you have on closed-toed shoes!
Q: What will we be doing exactly?
A: We'll find out our assignment when we arrive based on what needs to be sent out. The project will definitely involve manual labor, so arrive ready to work!
Q: How many kids can I bring?
A: Please plan for one toddler or child per adult. Please do NOT bring children under 4 years old. They won't be allowed in, even in carriers or strollers. Parents/guardians are responsible for keeping an eye on their child the entire time we are on site at the Food Bank, so they strongly encourage a 1:1 kid to adult ratio!
Q: What's the best way to get there?
A: The Food Bank is accessible via MUNI and there is parking for folks that opt to drive.
Q: What if my kid needs a break during our shift?
A: We took multiple snack and rest breaks during our work period. Just head to the break room and chill out for a bit!
Q: What do we get in exchange for volunteering?
A: Beyond the warm fuzzies, Mama's Guide will have special certificates for each of the kids to acknowledge their generosity! You definitely don't want to miss out on those!
San Francisco Food Bank
900 Pennsylvania Avenue
San Francisco, Ca
9AM-11AM
Sunday July 16, 2017