For many, accessing a food bank means swallowing their pride to ensure their families have food to eat. That’s why creating a safe, accepting environment where clients feel valued is as important to the staff and volunteers at OneChurch.to Food Bank as providing access to fresh, nutritious food.
“We know how hard it can be to walk through those doors,” said Carolina Macias, outreach coordinator for OneChurch.to, a Daily Bread Food Bank member agency in Scarborough. “We want the clients to feel as welcome as possible.”
The moment clients enter the building, they are greeted by a special team of volunteers offering high-fives and hugs. In addition to creating a warm welcome, the volunteers establish a rapport so clients feel comfortable seeking assistance beyond food access. “We’re like a family,” said Liza, a long-time volunteer. “We want everyone to feel respected and taken care of, even if it’s just offering an encouraging word.”
Providing that extra level of care isn’t always easy, said Carolina: “We are one of the only food banks that is open after work hours and do not require appointments, so we get people from as far away as Etobicoke and Brampton. The number of clients grows higher each week.”
OneChurch.to Food Bank is not alone; food banks across Toronto are facing crisis levels. In May, Daily Bread member agencies topped 350,000 client visits – a 12% increase compared to the month prior. First-time food bank user registrations also hit a new high of almost 14,000.
Given these staggering numbers, Carolina applies the same approach to volunteers as she does clients – she makes them feel cared for and respected. She begins each shift with a huddle where she shares words of encouragement, reminding them of their importance in their shared mission to serve the community.
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