Patch Gives Helping Hand to the Hungry

It takes a little muscle and a big heart to help fight hunger in San Diego County. And it takes just two hours of your time.

A group of Patch employees volunteered at the San Diego Food Bank in Mira Mesa for two hours on Tuesday and made a big difference for 969 families.

The San Diego Food Bank helps put food in the hands of those most in need, distributing more than 18 million pounds of food annually to individuals, families and organizations. In the county, over 483,000 people face hunger—273,000 of whom are children.

The Food Bank serves as both a central hub for deliveries of food and a distribution point. Weekly volunteers can sign up to work at the warehouse and package care boxes.

A group of 22 volunteers, including nine Patchers, packed 969 boxes full of juice and nonperishable foods in 120 minutes. Xavier, the warehouse manager, commented that it was the largest group they've had in some months.

The process is quite simple. A few volunteers tape together boxes. A few volunteers pack the boxes with healthy foods. A few more volunteers load the fully packaged boxes onto a pallet. And lastly, a few volunteers are on recycle duty. It is that simple as a volunteer.

To sign up to volunteer, visit the San Diego Food Bank online. There are typically nine shifts throughout each week. You can also donate money or organize a food drive.