Gabriel and the Power of Volunteering

Over the last year, Gabriel found resources at the food bank to begin going to school, get connected to housing, and started volunteering with us. Now he finds that there is no shortage of opportunity to make friends. Volunteering is one of many avenues he cites as turning his life around.

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Jade Fisher
Volunteer Spotlight: Sue

"I liken volunteering to putting fresh batteries into my life. I enjoy interacting with folks outside my usual circle of friends and learn something with every encounter … I am a better person, more grounded, less anxious and angry because I have the opportunity to serve others. It's a warm bowl of soup for my soul.

Sue discusses the mental health benefits of volunteering, bagging free groceries for your neighbors, and how volunteering can keep you connected!

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Jade Fisher
Volunteer Spotlight: Wendy

April is National Volunteer Month! What keeps our volunteers coming back is that they're building quality relationships and strengthening their sense of connectedness to the neighborhoods we live in and enjoy. In turn, the hours that folks dedicate to the food bank are resulting in better health outcomes for both volunteers and clients.

Let's explore how Wendy, a dedicated Ballard Food Bank volunteer, get benefits while giving back.

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Ballard Food Bank
How Are Federal Cuts Impacting Ballard Food Bank?

Last week, Executive Director Jen Muzia led a webinar to address some of the questions we’ve been hearing from volunteers and community members who have noticed it’s been more of a challenge to keep our shelves stocked throughout the week.

Here’s an overview of what we’re seeing in these uncertain times.

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Ballard Food Bank
The Week of Tom

Today is the end of an era as Tom retires! Tom is foundational to Ballard Food Bank - often cited by many as the heartbeat of the place. He knows his way around every bit of the warehouse and he creates a wonderful environment within it. He's patient and kind. We’ll miss him around the food bank but are excited for his next adventures.

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Jade Fisher
Partner Spotlight: CISC

The food bank has seen a massive increase in clients whose primary language is Chinese since last July. As we strive to create a welcoming, intentionally inclusive environment, our recent partnership with Chinese Information & Service Center (CISC) helps us serve clients from diverse backgrounds in culturally appropriate ways. CISC social workers have been able to both help us explain food bank policies as well as general navigation of government benefits and community resources in multiple languages.

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Ballard Food Bank
Ballard Food Bank Welcomes Everyone

With the incoming presidential administration’s unwelcoming rhetoric and threats to deport millions of immigrants, so many of our neighbors are under increased stress about their rights, futures, and lives. Ballard Food Bank remains committed to being a safe place serving ALL our neighbors. Because there can be enough for everyone – and we truly mean everyone!

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Ballard Food Bank