Diary of a Foodbank volunteer

Steve has volunteered at Foodbank’s Peel’s branch for 10 years. Here is what a typical week looks like for him:

Tuesday 

I pulled on my hi-vis this morning and instantly felt that familiar mix of excitement and purpose. The warehouse was already buzzing when I arrived – boxes stacked high, trolleys weaving between pallets, and the smell of mandarins from a recent donation. I jumped straight into sorting produce, chatting with Maggie and Mark about their weekends while we inspected mountains of apples. There’s something comforting about the rhythm of it – sort, pack, stack – knowing that the food we sort and stack is heading to a family who needs it. 

Wednesday 

Today was a big packing day. Part of the crew were working on hampers – the kind that go out fast to people in crisis. I kept picturing the families who would open them. Maybe a mum who’s been skipping meals so her kids can eat. Maybe an older couple whose pensions just don’t stretch far enough. I know we can’t fix every problem, but we can make sure their pantry isn’t empty this week. I sported the bread donations ensuring they were within date. After a major spinal operation, I’m stuck on crutches with a titanium plate in my neck so I don’t do much of the heavy lifting. The operation has kept me out of a wheelchair so I’m very grateful for that.  

Thursday 

Checkout and weighbridge day. I really like working on the checkout and weighbridge, it’s always a busy day, with a steady stream of customers (It’s increased about three-fold since I started about 10 years ago) but it’s when you get to meet the people who we help. There is always a buzz, because it’s busy but also because we get to chat with our customers.  I know 90% of them on a first-name basis, I’m sure that makes them happy and feel more at ease. 

Friday 

The best part of volunteering? The people. We’re such a mixed bunch – retirees, students, parents, even a few corporate teams who come in for a day to help. But in here, we’re just one big team with one big goal. We laugh a lot. Today, someone donated a giant pumpkin that was almost the size of big truck wheel. We all gathered around, taking guesses on its weight like it was some sort of produce Olympics. (It was 144kg, for the record!) 

Sunday 

I work part-time at the Pinjarra Racecourse, but Tuesday to Friday I volunteer at Foodbank. Days off from volunteering feel different now. I notice food in a new way – the luxury of a full fridge/pantry, the joy of cooking without wondering if the ingredients will run out. I think a lot about the people we help, even when I’m not at Foodbank. It’s made me more grateful, more aware, and oddly, happier. 

Volunteering here isn’t just something I do, it’s part of who I am now. It’s given me friendships, skills, perspective, and a sense of belonging I didn’t even know I was missing. When I walk out of the warehouse at the end of a shift, tired but smiling, I know I’ve spent my time in the best possible way.