Winnipeg Harvest Visit- Make Manitoba Hunger Free 8-14

1.What did I learn about Winnipeg Harvest?

I learned how important Winnipeg Harvest is to many people and how big the part it plays in the community. To think, without Winnipeg Harvest many people would be left to starve, and without the countless and generous donations they receive, Winnipeg Harvest would be out of food within a week. Almost none of the donations are wasted. When they come across something they can not send or use they try to compose waste material and most of the leftovers, even sending some unusable bread to be sent to feed animals, such as horses.

2.Who does Winnipeg Harvest Help?

Winnipeg Harvest helps anyone who is in need of food. On average, 56 000 people use Winnipeg Harvest every month. Sad to say, half of the people are under the age of 18. While on my tour I could tell that the clients are very grateful to them when I saw a few lending the Harvest a hand. Behind each client is their story. Each have a reason for not having the money for food. Some being the need for medical attention, but do not have the money for both. Whatever it is Winnipeg Harvest will care to their needs the best they can, even making sure you get the nutrition you need through the basic nutrition kits.

3.Where does Winnipeg Harvest get the food it supplies to its users?
Winnipeg Harvest gets the food they supply from many generous agencies. Even the trucks they use were kindly given to them to help with the relocation of food. Many stores, other food banks, businesses companies and schools across the province help Winnipeg Harvest. Some examples being Sobey's, Superstore, Safeway, and of course, donations from the public. You may also find bins at Superstore and Safeway to drop off donations.

4.What are the top 10 items needed in Winnipeg Harvest?

The top ten items needed in Winnipeg Harvest are:

Canned fish and poultry
Canned fruit and vegetables
Canned stew, chili, brown beans
Peanut Butter (light)
Baby Food
Whole grain pasta/whole wheat pasta
Rice
Canned spaghetti sauce or tomatoes
Cereal
Canned soup

As you can see these are items anyone can get a hold of. All you need to do is go out and donate them. I know that they'll really appreciate it.

5. When you volunteered what do you remember about your job?

What I definitely remember the most was the vast amount of food they had. While touring I saw countless piles of pasta, bread, cereal and pretty much anything else you could imagine. Afterward I remember having to wash a bunch of bins. It was a bit gross, (especially the last bin I had to wash), and I almost fell into them countless times, but it was a great experience. I was glad to be of some help, and I'm sure they really appreciated it. While moving around the warehouse I found that the volunteers were really close to each other. Seeing them talk and joking around, and it was truly very heartwarming to see. Next was pasta sorting. It was not as easy as I had once thought. There were so many varieties of pasta, some that I've never heard of. I had a hard time deciding where I would place some, and just when I think I get it, I find a new kind of pasta. Luckily, I was assigned to label boxes instead. Our teamwork was great, and we managed to fill quite a few boxes. I really learned a lot from this trip to Winnipeg Harvest, and I was really happy to have come.

For more info check out their website: here