Emory's DEI Council Volunteers at Atlanta Community Food Bank
On Saturday, May 18th, members of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council, alongside other members of the Emory Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, dedicated their time to volunteer at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The Food Bank, which collaborates with over 700 community-based partners including food pantries, community kitchens, childcare centers, shelters, and senior centers, distributes an impressive average of 9.7 million pounds of food monthly. As a member of Feeding America, it serves more than 600,000 food-insecure individuals in its service area.
The mission of the Atlanta Community Food Bank is to fight hunger by engaging, educating, and empowering the community. Beyond food distribution, the organization offers numerous opportunities for community involvement, from volunteering to helping individuals achieve economic security. With over 1,700 volunteers monthly, 150 staff members, a large fleet of trucks, and the nation's largest food banking facility, the Food Bank efficiently procures and distributes food and grocery items from diverse donors, including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and farmers. Partner agencies can order food online, ensuring easy access and timely distribution to families and individuals in need.
Eight Emory volunteers joined forces with other volunteers from the Atlanta area, ranging from young children and high schoolers to adults and the elderly. Participants were involved in a pilot program for large-scale fresh produce packaging. The facility provided a lively atmosphere filled with music and cheer, with a playlist featuring R&B and pop hits from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Volunteers were singing and dancing as they worked together to package the produce. The Emory group was split among different teams, allowing for interaction and camaraderie beyond their usual circle. By the end of the three-hour volunteer session, volunteers successfully packaged hundreds of pounds of fresh produce.
The event was a resounding success, and the DEI Council plans to volunteer at the Atlanta Community Food Bank again, potentially on a quarterly basis like the church group. It was a rewarding experience to volunteer and give back to the community. If you are interested in donating or volunteering for the Atlanta Community Food Bank, visit www.acfb.org for more information.
