Originally, this was going to part of the Cape Henry visit. But then it was noted that it was a separate event that members could opt out of and it was considered a separate community service project.
Angel Caramalle is in charge of the sorting room at the Food Bank. This is were the community service project would be held. Our job, should we accept, would be to examine the donated food supplies for expiration dates and damage, then sort it into types and place in to the appropriate bins. Angel show us what to look for and what to do with the food. The Food Bank had just won a truckload donation and there was a lot to be sorted. We went right to task; sorting, tossing and organizing. I was surprised at the volume and how unfortunately a percentage was tossed due to expiration dates. I was also surprised at the non-food items. The Food Bank accepts, food, pet supplies, over the counter
pharmaceuticals, personal hygiene products and household items (cleaning supplies). I was shocked to find that baby food was not accepted, it was explained that with a baby's immune system they could not trust that the food was kept in ideal conditions and could not except it.
After our first hour we were joined by some students, who were challenged and learning how to work with others, they kept right at task and it was a joy to see them there. They come every day for 2 hours and are learning life skills., it was a pleasure working with Brandon and Barry and the other young men.
At 10:30 the group was scheduled to finish, while some had other commitments, I was open and stayed until 11:30 working on the giant pile, by 11:30 we had managed to get through about 50% of the donations. I must say that the Capri Sun drink boxes and the Pop Tart boxes were all in need of tape.
I am in awe of what these people do at the Food Bank, and while the shelves looked full, we were told that it was only a two week supply.
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