Whidbey Island has a large community of homeowners engaged in growing their own produce, as well as numerous fruit trees located around the South end. The food bank sees a steady flow of produce donations from the community during the growing season, and the fruit...
Good Cheer relies on over 3,000 hours of volunteer service each month, performed by around 200 volunteers. Whidbey Island is a tight-knit community; news travels mostly through word of mouth, and relationships are key to engaging and retaining volunteers.....
Overview: In light of the need for quality and healthy meals for food-insecure people, community meals are an excellent way to bring folks together while making sure everyone has access to good food without barriers.....
Marketing and Visibility During the first year of the Community Food Projects, the VISTA’s work has primarily been building relationships – and therefore visibility and recognition – within the local community, specifically among other emergency food relief and food security groups whose partnership will be beneficial...
The Community Food Projects developed by the first-year VISTA have not so far included volunteers because they are primarily still in the development phase. Volunteers have also been readily available when needed through the structure of each project. The first community meal pilot under the...
When volunteers sign-up, they are put on an email listserv (e.g. MailChimp). When a gleaning event is scheduled, an email is sent out to volunteers. If email is not an option for some, take the time to call them; it is worth it!...
In order to engage volunteers a Gleaning Coordinator can take some of the following steps:Talk with civic/volunteer groups/clubs such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Masons, Lions Club, Soroptomists, local business associations, etc.Talk with church leaders, especially outreach ministry coordinators.Hold informational events at public libraries such as a...
Training VolunteersIt is important before volunteers start gleaning that they have a clear sense of what to expect and what is expected of them. Making handouts that give them clear instructions helps ensure gleaning runs smoothly, and you do not cause any problems that will...
Program ImageWhen trying to establish a new program in a community it is important that the program has a strong and consistent image. This sort of branding helps your audiences recognize the program and assures them that the program is organized and reliable. Part of...
Resources to Contact Local GrowersState agricultural extension officesLocal business and organizations that work with the agricultural communityFood co-opsState agricultural insurance companiesFood banksIt is important to first contact these established groups with information about your program, and then ask them to either pass-on information directly to...