Check out our next spotlight for our Meet a Food Banker series: Christian!
What do you do at the food bank?
I am a Reclamation Associate and am the main forklift driver for our reclamation area. I help set up for the day for the volunteer groups we are working with, then provide them with the skids of food they need and put the bulk product away after the food is sorted. I help replenish product and supplies to sustain volunteer projects.
How did you end up in this role?
Before I worked here, I worked at a factory where we made plastic products. I wanted something new and I found this job and started off working here in picking—which is fulfilling the orders of our partners. I liked the aspect of helping people who are in need—that caught my attention. I worked in picking for about 4 or 5 months and when they had an opening in reclamation I decided to transfer. I like the hands on aspect and getting to interact with people a lot more. I like being more social.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
Knowing that I am a part of a team that is helping people in need by providing them food. It’s really important because there are a lot of people who can’t afford food for whatever reason. It makes me feel good inside knowing that I’m doing my part to help people. When I was younger, we used to work in apple orchards and had to go to a food bank to get food. Being on the other side of that and being able to help other families who are in the same spot I was in at one point makes me feel good.
Any standout memories?
The Thanksgiving distribution we did right here at the food bank was really cool. Seeing all the families come here and leave with their food, having a big smile on their face, knowing they were going to have something to eat for the holiday was pretty cool.
What motivates you to fight hunger?
My motivation is being able to help families that need food. Coming from a family that used to need to go to the food bank to get food, I feel motivated by knowing I’m helping out people to get food on their table just like I needed when I was younger and in the same position.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to spend time with my family. I have a six year old and he keeps me on my toes. I like going to the park with him. I also sometimes do security at clubs, music festivals and things like that. It’s my way of unwinding and having fun at the same time.