Hunger Study Volunteers Needed – Get Involved!

Most of us are looking for at least two things in a volunteer experience.

  • The ability to make a positive, tangible impact on our community
  • The chance to do something personally inspiring, yet relevant to a good cause

This spring, the St. Louis Area Foodbank has a volunteer opportunity that meets both of those criteria.

By joining the volunteer crew of the national Hunger in America study, you’ll be on the front lines of hunger, an issue that plagues tens of thousands of individuals in our community.

Hunger study volunteers will visit food pantries in Missouri and Illinois, conducting interviews with the individuals who actually face hunger on a regular basis.

The Hunger in America study is conducted May 1 – August 30, 2013. Nationally, 70,000 food pantry clients will be scientifically surveyed and interviewed. The information gathered in this effort will raise awareness, nationally and locally, about the reality of hunger in our region.

Even more, this valuable data is used:

  • To promote local and national legislation that helps our most vulnerable neighbors
  • To raise private and public funds to help address hunger in our region
  • To provide the public with the hard facts about hunger and poverty

By agreeing to participate in this important volunteer mission, you’ll learn firsthand about hunger and the effect it has on families in our region.

Volunteers must meet these requirements:

  • Attend a training session – the first one is April 27
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have reliable transportation
  • Have basic technology skills
  • Be available for five to eight pantry visits during the 18-week data collection period
  • Be able to effectively communicate with diverse populations
  • Be able to exercise discretion and show sensitivity toward clients

For more information or to volunteer contact:

 

Bethany Prange
Bethany Prange is the communications coordinator at the St. Louis Area Foodbank.

Terry Edelman

Terry Edelman is a agency relations volunteer at the St. Louis Area Foodbank.

 

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