Inspired by friends, our family registered for "Kid's Day" at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC's Durham branch. Held twice a month, it's an opportunity for kids ages 5 to 11 to volunteer with an accompanying adult. Typically, the Food Bank requires volunteers to be 12 and up.
Registration online was straightforward and we were sent reminder emails and texts before the event. When we explained to our kids that we were planning to help sort food for families who don't have a stable source of food, our daughter decided to bring several dollars to donate to the cause.
There is ample parking in their large lot. We checked in, washed hands, and gathered in the large warehouse while the group assembled. The volunteer coordinator explained the need for the Food Bank's services in an age-appropriate style and gave us the instructions for our project.
Our goal for the morning was to process Capri Sun juice pouches from a large pallet into boxes that could be distributed throughout the service area. We had to inspect each pouch to make sure it wasn't punctured and had a straw with a wrapper attached. Many of the juice pouches were sticky due to leaks so they had to be wiped down. A sticker with an ingredients list was added to each pouch before it was placed in the box.
 |
Our group had 3 six year olds. They enjoyed adding the stickers and putting the pouches in the boxes. Most of the work tables are counter height, which were too high for the youngest kids, but there were stools and a few lower tables were available. The older kids could do all of the tasks.
We worked steadily while chatting with our neighbors. The kids surprisingly stayed on task for the 90-minute session. It felt great to see the large stack of boxes that the whole group completed. The kids followed all the clean-up instructions better than they do at home! They seemed eager to wipe the tables and sweep the floors.
 |
We will definitely register again for Kid's Day at the Food Bank!
According to the Food Bank's website, in the six counties served by the Durham branch:
- 78,420 individuals live in food-insecure households
- 24,490 are children
- 25,164 seniors live at or below the poverty level
In fiscal year 2021-2022, the Durham Branch:
- Distributed 17,065,929 pounds of food
- Partnered with a network of 148 agencies (including food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, and group homes)
- This equates to more than 14,221,608 meals for those in need
- Volunteers donated 32,913 hours
Kid's Day is offered on select Saturdays at 2700 Angier Avenue, Durham, NC 27703.
View the upcoming dates and register here. (It fills up fast and they often have a waitlist.)
Don't miss our list of the top family-friendly events for the upcoming week right in your inbox!
Signup to receive the weekly emails from Macaroni Kid Durham and South Durham/Chapel Hill now.
Interested in events in Chapel Hill? Check the Chapel Hill event calendar.
