Nonprofits focused on feeding those in need see a spike in demand during extreme weather events. Take Food & Friends in Northeast D.C., for example. Every day, volunteers whip up 7,100 nutritious meals. Earl Davy has been a volunteer since 2008. “It helps me connect with the community and do something good,” he shared. “Seeing how some people live reminds you to appreciate what you have.”
With a big snowstorm looming, Davy emphasizes the urgency of their mission. Many clients can’t venture out and depend heavily on meal deliveries. “You form bonds with clients over time, and you genuinely wish them well. They really appreciate when you arrive,” he added.
As the storm approaches, volunteers are gearing up to prepare additional meals and make early deliveries. This Saturday, they will deliver not just for the weekend, but for Monday and Tuesday too, keeping drivers off dangerous roads and ensuring clients are taken care of.
“We need all hands on deck,” said Katrina Mathis, Director of Volunteer Services. Typically, they deliver to around 180 people each Saturday, but this weekend, the number will jump to about 400. With 50 drivers on the road and many volunteers in the kitchen, the team is working hard to meet the rising demand.
The organization reaches clients facing serious health issues, including cancer and diabetes. “We deliver as far north as Cumberland, Maryland, and as far south as Fredericksburg, Virginia,” Mathis said. “That covers 6,100 square miles across the DMV.”
While it’s too late to volunteer for this storm, Food & Friends encourages future volunteers to start the signup process now. It involves background checks and can take some time. “If you sign up for a shift now, you’ll be familiar with the process by the time the next emergency arises,” Mathis noted.
In recent surveys, 70% of Americans say they want to help their community during crises, but only 20% are actively involved. Organizations like Food & Friends show us that there’s a pressing need for prepared volunteers when unexpected events hit. They often rely on community support to meet growing needs, especially in challenging times.
For those interested in helping, you can find more about volunteer opportunities at Food & Friends [here](https://www.foodandfriends.org/get-involved/volunteer). Together, we can make a difference, especially during tough times.
Source link
Severe weather
