Join the Cause: Discover Exciting Volunteer Opportunities at Stone Soup Food Bank – The County Press

Lapeer — Stone Soup Food Bank thrives thanks to its dedicated volunteers. These individuals ensure food gets to those who need it most and help maintain the organization’s warehouse.

Located at 475 S. Court St. in Lapeer, Stone Soup serves not only local pantries but also extends its reach to 13 surrounding counties. The food donation program allows churches and community organizations to receive surplus items, such as bread and fresh produce, enriching their food support efforts.

One of the highlights of the year is the annual Distribution Day in November. During this event, volunteers prepare meal packages and collect frozen turkeys for distribution. Troopers from the Michigan State Police join the effort, providing a drive-thru service for clients. The turkeys and meal components are generously donated by McLaren Lapeer Region.

Besides food distribution, Stone Soup cultivates vegetables and flowers in its greenhouse. They also manage Louise and Lino’s Farm Market on Imlay City Road during the warmer months, which supports their food programs.

Volunteering at Stone Soup offers various opportunities. Help can come in different forms, whether it’s packing food, running the farm market, or organizing fundraisers. Warehouse volunteers often check expiration dates, inspect donations, and sort through food items. There’s even a team of volunteer drivers dedicated to picking up donations and delivering them to local food pantries.

Mary Anne MacLeod, the business development director, highlights the importance of their volunteers. “We all feel like family here,” she explains. “We want to help our community and serve those in need. Without our volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”

Volunteers come from various backgrounds. Some have fixed schedules, while others drop in as they are available. Many students seek community service hours, which Stone Soup happily accommodates. MacLeod ensures that volunteers are matched to tasks that suit their skills and capabilities.

It’s interesting to note that according to Feeding America, around 34 million people face food insecurity in the U.S., including over 9 million children. Local organizations like Stone Soup play an important role in addressing this issue, proving the need for community support and engagement.

Want to get involved? You can fill out an application at the food bank during business hours. It collects your availability, skills, and interests, and a background check is required. Applications are accepted Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more info, you can visit stonesoupfoodpantry.org or call 810-245-0500.

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