Cole Martin started volunteering with the Food Shuttle in August 2020, after his place of work, AECOM, put out a call to employees. He helped out on the Food Shuttle Farm for a day, enjoyed the time outdoors, and heard about the many programs of Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. With a curiosity to see the various parts of the organization in action, he started signing up to help with different programs ranging from agriculture to food distribution.
As a volunteer with the Grocery Bags for Seniors program, Cole contributes from beginning to end. He works in the mornings alongside the welcoming staff and matches their focus, putting his skills as a environmental noise specialist into helping search for ways to make the packing process more efficient and getting into a steady groove for the day. Later, he helps deliver those same bags to seniors in low-income communities.
“It’s definitely my favorite [program],” he says. “I like that I can pack the grocery bag and then maybe the next day or later that day, get the bag and take it to them directly—see it through the whole process that way.”
Other days, Cole continues to volunteer at the Food Shuttle Farm. There, he frequently tries out new things, like tending to and harvesting vegetables straight from the ground. “Dealing with the farm animals is pretty cool too. I’m afraid of goats though, so that was a bit nerve-wracking,” he laughs.
Asked what he enjoys about volunteering, he says, “Knowing that on the other end of it, you’re definitely helping people. That’s really cool. Seeing the people very happy, and they will sometimes come out and talk to you and say thank you so much—that right there puts it all together.”
“I’m glad that I can go out and do something positive. I also feel very safe—they have the protocols in place to where I feel very safe around everyone else, and I don’t think we’re risking anyone else either.”
Anyone interested in joining Cole as a Food Shuttle volunteer with the Grocery Bags for Seniors program, at the Food Shuttle Farm, or with other hunger-fighting programs, can visit the Food Shuttle’s volunteer website here.
The Food Shuttle is committed to providing a safe volunteer experience that adheres to the recommendations put forth by Feeding America and health and government officials. With careful planning and attention to detail, they can safely and effectively engage individuals and groups in the work of addressing food insecurity.
Volunteer opportunities are available at a limited capacity allowing them to follow high standards of social distancing, sanitation, and screening. Please read their full protocol here.