Foodlink could not carry out its mission without the help of so many outstanding volunteers that live among us. They help us sort food in our distribution center, they help out at fundraising events, and they help out with our innovative programs that venture out into the community.
The Curbside Market, Foodlink’s mobile farmers market, is one of those programs. Foodlink’s “produce aisle on wheels” visits USDA-defined food deserts and other locations that lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables and sells them at wholesale prices. Foodlink has several staff drivers, but once a truck pulls into a busy location, we could always use some extra hands to assist our enthusiastic clients.
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“I felt it was a good opportunity and there’s no down time,” said Bonnie Crawford, a retired nurse. “You feel very needed and appreciated both by the staff and the consumers.”
When Gary Larsen retired, he started volunteering in Foodlink’s distribution center at the recommendation of a friend. Then he heard about Curbside, and he wanted to hit the road. Now he volunteers Tuesdays and Thursdays and travels to the outlying counties in our service area.
“It’s a lot more rewarding because you get to meet the people that are actually getting the food,” Larsen said. “My favorite places are the senior centers because I got to know a lot of the people that are the regulars. They’re very friendly and kind and appreciative of the products we bring and sell to them every time we show up.”
Foodlink welcomed Gary, Bonnie and seven other of its most loyal volunteers to its headquarters on Jan. 5 to both thank them and collect feedback about their experiences. Lunch was served, a focus group discussion was held, and a tour of our distribution center and new Community Kitchen followed. The full roster included Crawford, Larsen, Carrie Hoey, Saqrah Houck, Michael Hagelberg, Jean Fleche, Kevin Heberle, James Bonsignore and Patricia Mendicino.
“The Curbside Market would not be able to make a significant, lasting impact in our community without the help of our dedicated volunteers,” said Eric Lintala, Foodlink’s Markets and Gardens (Americorps) VISTA who helped coordinate the focus group.
Lintala said the nine volunteers who visited have logged more than 700 hours of service combined.
Mendicino said she’s been doing food prep for most of her adult life and got involved because she enjoys getting out into the community, visiting new places and connecting with people.
“It’s making me feel like I’m doing something good and gives me a purpose,” she said.
