It’s National Volunteer Appreciation Week and now, more than ever, we want to give a shout-out to all the amazing folks who volunteer with us. In non-COVID times, our programs hum along with the support of a dedicated team of volunteers.

Every week, teams of volunteers pack bags for our Weekend Backpack Programs, help set up our School Markets, ride along on our trucks for our Home Delivery Program, assemble frozen heat and eat meals for our Family Meals Program, weed and water at our Field of Greens Program, and staff our fundraising events.

Everything changed in March when the COVID-19 crisis hit. As we pivoted to address these new challenges, our volunteers pivoted with us. Our volunteer opportunities are quite different now but our volunteers’ dedication is unchanged. Adorned with masks and following strict safety protocols, they pack and deliver ~3,600 bags for over 1800 households each week. These deliveries bring 35,000 pounds of food to individuals most at risk of hunger during this crisis.

“We could not make this program happen without hundreds of volunteers committed to helping us each week! They show up for each shift, ready to go, and graciously deal with our constant program changes as we grow. We are so grateful for their support which helps us reach the most vulnerable individuals in our community who are at risk of hunger.”  —Steph Smith, our Program Director 

Through our partnership with Cambridge Public Schools, our School Meal Distribution volunteers cover daily shifts at eight food distribution sites throughout Cambridge ensuring that public school students receive needed meals. They are outside each day waiting for students and their families to pick up meals regardless of whatever the weather—snow, rain, high winds, and, if we’re lucky, sunshine.

“Our school meals distribution volunteers are incredible! Many of these same individuals volunteer for the Weekend Backpack Programs and School Markets, and so many of them are Cambridge Public School teachers and staff who miss that direct connection to their students and families. I’m honored to work alongside these folks. Their commitment to these students never stops even when schools are closed.” —Alanna Mallon, K-12 Lead

“When the COVID crisis hit, we reached out to the community for help. Within days we gained hundreds, now thousands, of new volunteers, who cover all of our weekly volunteer opportunities. Spots often fill up as soon as we post them. It is an honor to work with such a dedicated group of individuals who support our work so passionately.”—Sasha Purpura, Food For Free’s Executive Director

Thank you to all of our volunteers. We could not do this without you!