Conference staff, including the Extended Cabinet, kicked off the weekend by devoting their energies giving back to the community. On Friday, February 24, the staff gathered at Gleaners Food Bank on the westside of Indianapolis for an afternoon of hard work, sprinkled with moments of fellowship and fun, as their efforts would include vetting, sorting, and organizing large assortments of produce, canned foods, and meats that will feed thousands of families across Indiana.
Bishop Julius C. Trimble, who spent the majority of the shift working in the Gleaners cooler, stated afterwards, “ It was a wonderful experience to see the tremendous work that Gleaners is doing in addressing hunger throughout Indiana, and seeing us away from our work space, putting our faith into practice.”
In total, Conference staff sorted and inspected over 9,000 pounds of dry goods, as well as fresh and frozen items, which amounts to almost 8,000 meals.
Food items are donated from various programs and organizations throughout Indiana, from big chain stores and affluent companies, to local mom-and-pop businesses, nonprofits, and churches. Gleaners is part of the Feeding America Network – a roster of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries fighting the fight against hunger.
“It was inspiring to see us coming together, sorting and shifting, and moving pallets of food, laughing and fellowshipping.” says Dr. Aleze Fulbright, Director of Leadership Development.
Gleaners Food Bank of Indianapolis, Inc. commits to fighting hunger in 21 Indiana counties by distributing food to more than 250 partner agencies, and serving over 20 millions meals each year.
“It seemed like we touched so little, yet we made quite an impact.” remarks Ruth-Ellen Needler, Associate Director of Administrative Services, who organized the volunteer opportunity.
Learn more about the realities of hunger, the numerous programs at Gleaners, and how you can get involved by visiting https://www.gleaners.org/what-we-do/