VOLUNTEERING @ FOOD4KIDS

Food4Kids Hamilton 407 Whitney Avenue

My first visit to Food4Kids was a year ago, almost exactly. I was touched by the work they do, providing packages of healthy food for kids with limited or no access to food over weekends. I was so happy that I could contribute to the cause with I Heart Hamilton’s The Playlist 2.0 last summer. I also attended their second annual “Power of One” Breakfast Gala back in November, an inspiring event.

Since then, it has been fantastic to see the non-profit organization continue to grow. Food4Kids is now feeding 650 kids each weekend, which is incredible. I had been wanting to return and volunteer during one of their weekly food-packing sessions, and I’m so glad I did!

It was a pleasure to see Executive Director Lena Bassford again, who is so passionate about the cause. I met the other volunteers and was then put to work for what would be “a good workout,” as Lena joked. She wasn’t kidding!

The menu varies each week, but most importantly, it always focuses on nutritious foods. Boxes of the various items were placed on the centre tables, and we each took a bag and walked in a circle around, picking up each item as we went and packing the bag. It took a minute for me to get into the rhythm – the volunteers were total pros, working speedily to make up the packages.

We placed the filled packages on a shelf, which were then packed into the bins. The bins are labelled for the various schools and they are delivered from there every Friday.

Knowing about the work Food4Kids does and making a donation is so important, but it was really rewarding to see it in action. This was only my first time volunteering, and I kept thinking about the wonderful volunteers who regularly attend the weekly packing sessions. On Fridays, more volunteers drive all of the bins of food to the schools. Take a look at the Volunteer section on the website to find out how you can help.

Food4Kids also hosts fundraiser events to support the cause. Take a look at their Events page for listings, along with events hosted by members of the community. Food4Kids’ first annual Wine Gala, “Raise Your Glass,” is coming up on June 12th.

I’m thrilled to say that I Heart Hamilton will benefit Food4Kids at the third annual fundraiser, The Playlist 3.0, on June 7th at This Ain’t Hollywood. I hope to see you there!

– Kristin