01/18/2022

The Need for Volunteers at Ohio's Food Banks Is Dire

The request for help is urgent

Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) and its peers continue to feel the squeeze of the pandemic on volunteer operations. The work of volunteers is critical to our daily operations. In these unsettling times, it is imperative that these organizations are able to meet the increased demand of struggling neighbors' access nutritious foods.

In 2019, MOFC had over 13,500 volunteers who donated more than 77,000 hours;

• In 2020, these numbers dropped to 4,500 volunteers donating 38,700-plus hours;
• Through 2021, MOFC began to recover, with 7,300 volunteers donating 55,000 total hours.

Traditionally, January and February are the two toughest months of the year for volunteer recruitment as individuals, families and companies are coming off the holidays and settling back into school and work routines.

The COVID-19 surge has added to the struggle to support MOFC's daily operations as volunteer numbers continue to drop for January and February 2022. In 2020, MOFC had 2,300 volunteers help in January and February for a total of 12,770 hours.  Currently only 530 volunteers have signed up to assist this January and February – a projection of 3,700 hours, a 71 percent drop.

MOFC is calling to action their community to aid them in their continued fight to feed struggling neighbors. To provide peace of mind that their volunteers feel safe during their shifts, MOFC has taken the following precautions to ensure a safe working environment:

As of Jan. 1, 2022, they are asking that all volunteers be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Additional safety measures that MOFC asks of volunteers:

• The organization requires all staff and visitors to our building to wear a mask.
• MOFC is asking volunteers to reschedule their shifts if they are experiencing symptoms, or if they have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in their household.
• MOFC asks that you practice social distancing whenever possible.
• MOFC asks that you use their hand sanitizing stations often, and wear aprons and gloves when required.

MOFC appreciates your unwavering support and looks forward to the opportunity to host you as volunteers. For more information on volunteer opportunities and protocols, visit https://mofc.org/volunteer/ where you can sign up individually or for a group.