Blog

Up until last March, Gabriel and Constancia Merrill had both worked for an organization that brought food to seniors in Washington, D.C. They had never needed food assistance before, but the pandemic caused them to lose their jobs due to curbed operations. For the Merrills, and so many impacted by the pandemic, receiving emergency food boxes helps them to stretch their available resources and make ends meet each month.

CAFB volunteer Rob Britton was on site for his 5th week volunteering in a row, with the city was still under lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. We spoke with him about what motivates him to spend his time helping neighbors in need.

Volunteers have always been part of the backbone that supports the food bank's work. However, this #VolunteerAppreciationWeek is a special one as our amazing and dedicated volunteers have stepped up selflessly to ensure that their neighbors don't go hungry during the current pandemic. Take an #InsideLook at three of our volunteers who are lending a helping hand.

With many of our neighbors more vulnerable than ever during this pandemic, our community has stepped up in big ways to help. Check out these 5 amazing ways the local community has come together to assist those struggling during these uncertain times.

Volunteers are the beating heart of the Capital Area Food Bank. They’re on the front lines of the distribution process every day. Volunteers provide the essential first step in getting food flowing to the men, women, and children we serve in the Greater Washington Metropolitan area. In honor of National Volunteer Month, here are five amazing things our volunteers helped accomplish this past year!

It was cold. Very cold. But GEICO’s fleet of volunteers was bundled up and ready to serve anyway. The job at hand was too important to do otherwise.

On a brisk and rainy December morning, the Naval Academy was on deck to serve. Hunger doesn't take a break because of bad weather. To help the many people who rely on our markets, the food bank relies on dedicated volunteers. Members of the Midshipmen Action Group (MAG), an organization that prepares Academy students for future service, displayed that spirit of service at a recent community market.

The Capital Area Food Bank recently hosted 40 volunteers who each represented one of the “Divine Nine” original historically black sororities and fraternities. Together, they sorted food items in our warehouse and participated in a Face Hunger session -- a hands-on simulation and discussion activity that raises awareness and understanding of hunger.

On the heels of the grand opening of its new US headquarters in Arlington, Nestlé employees are making an impact for neighbors in the Washington region.