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First Time Volunteering? What to Expect at a Harvest Pack and Why Volunteering Matters

Picture of Aaliyah Ratliff
First Time Volunteering? What to Expect at a Harvest Pack and Why Volunteering Matters
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Harvest Pack is a nonprofit organization with the mission of putting healthy food on every table. Since 2012, we’ve done this by partnering with businesses, schools, faith groups, and community clubs across the country to hold Harvest Packs. Let’s take a peek at what volunteering at a Harvest Pack looks like.

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Volunteers holding "Thank You Harvest Pack" signs.

 

A Harvest Pack follows all FDA regulations to ensure the safety of all the food we distribute. To ensure a clean work space, expect to walk into a room with a sanitation table right at the door. You’ll put your hair in a hairnet, sanitize your hands, and find a spot at an assembly line. The assembly line will have everything you need in order to pack loads of Harvest Pack’s instant fortified oatmeal or our rice pilaf. As you’re packing meals for your local community, you’ll be surrounded by tons of fun, laughs, and smiles! Some of the volunteers will be organizing boxes and food storage bags, some will be packing meals, and some will be running around the room helping refill ingredients. There are roles for all ages and abilities to ensure everyone can participate! If you need to sit, that can be accommodated.

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Harvest Pack volunteers surrounding the meal packing assembly line, pouring ingredients into a funnel and food bag.
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Volunteer smiling while holding a large bag of oats, ready to refill ingredients at assembly lines.

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Harvest Pack volunteers smiling while organizing and moving a pallet of boxes filled with packed oatmeal.

 

Now that you know what volunteering at a Harvest Pack looks like, we can learn why volunteering is important. Just in the U.S. alone, over one in five people face food insecurity. Volunteering your time at a Harvest Pack provides meals for those facing hunger within your own community. Even after your Harvest Pack has ended, you can continue to make a difference by sharing your experience and encouraging others to host their own Harvest Pack!

 

Here are some testimonials from our partners and volunteers from our Packs.

"Harvest Pack is doing a GREAT thing. We are constantly in need of dry goods to round out the meal boxes we put together. The Fortified Oatmeal is the perfect item to make sure families get a healthy breakfast. Our board of directors was quite impressed with the meal packing videos that you sent. Thank you for thinking about us with these 20,000 meals."
-- Janet Webster, Director of McArn Food Bank in Cheraw, SC

 

"Our office loves working with the Harvest Pack organization as they make it easy & convenient for us to pack meal & impact our local community. Having the group come to our office to pack meals increases our volunteer participation rate. We appreciate knowing we can help those who are food insecure in our area."

-- Jess Douglass, Certified Wealth Management Client Associate at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

 

“We had the privilege of volunteering with Harvest Pack, as an activity at the volunteer program for pro-baseball. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was full of energy and purpose. What stood out most was how well-organized and hands-on the event was. Everyone had a role, and it was inspiring to see the players and staff from all walks of life come together for such an important cause. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, I highly encourage you to get involved with Harvest Pack. It’s a chance to connect with others, build teamwork, and know your efforts truly matter.”

--  Maria Yrbas, Volunteer

 

We’re so proud of our more than 20,000 volunteers who have helped Harvest Pack pack over 15 MILLION meals for our communities! Learn how you can host your own Harvest Pack by visiting our website or by reaching out to one of our team members.

Stay updated on Harvest Pack's efforts to provide healthy food on every table by signing up for the Harvest Pack Chronicles!