One of the big questions we get is “how do I get a hamper?”
It’s a good question. If you go to a hundred food programs across the country, you will likely have a hundred different experiences. Each place is different; there is no standard, but there are similarities.
A while ago, we managed to get our hands on a nice camera, and the staff here were kind enough to take on starring roles in our own re-enactment of getting up the courage to walk through our door, talk to a staff person and get a hamper. Thanks to Nadir for the camera work, Melissa and Michelle for their acting skills and our volunteers for providing some background.
Take the example of Andrew, who Melissa blogged about last week. This is likely pretty close to what he would have experienced when visiting our program. On average we serve about 140 families and individuals each day we are open. Without the hard work of our volunteers and donors we couldn’t do it.
So, we’re obviously not going to win any Oscars, but we hope this video answers some of your questions.
Here are a few things to consider:
The lobby can often be very busy. How would you feel having this conversation in front of a room of strangers?
Our hampers vary, sometimes a lot. Is that box of food something you would want to share with your family? What foods do you wish we had that aren’t there?
In the video it’s winter. How would you get to us if you didn’t have a car or bus fare? We are here. What if you lived here? Kind of a long walk isn’t it? I hope you have warm boots. Even in summer it’s not a treat. When it’s really hot out, sometimes it’s worse. Sunstroke, frostbite or hunger. It’s not an easy choice.
Stay tuned for some more stories from people who have used our program. As you read them, keep this video in the back of your mind. Each one of them will have gone through this process, sometimes many times, over many years.
Tags: Emergency Food Hamper Program, food banks, food distribution, food hampers, food insecurity, how, video, what's in a food hamper
