Volunteer Participation at Food Bank Meguro’s Free Food Distribution

On July 23 (Sun.), 10 Plaza Homes employees volunteered to participate in a free food distribution event organized by Food Bank Meguro.

We helped with a series of tasks for the food distribution, from preparation to distribution and cleanup.
There were various tasks just on the day itself, such as transporting food from the warehouse to the venue, sorting the food by household, sorting rice into smaller portions, cutting vegetables, checking and sorting expiration dates, reception duties, and guiding users.We were able to experience a variety of tasks while being taught by Food Bank Meguro staff and veteran volunteers.

There were many food items in the warehouse, and we were told that various preparations are made on a daily basis for the food distribution event. From activities to solicit food donations, to accepting donations, storing, transporting, inventory control, checking expiration dates, thanking people for their donations, and so on. We were also told that vegetables, eggs, etc. are purchased from the donations, taking into consideration the nutritional needs of the users.

We understand that it must be very difficult for the few staff members and volunteers who run the program to provide food distribution to so many families.The number of families in need is increasing due to the recession and rising prices.　
In order to be of some help, we would like to collect food items with an awareness of the problem of food loss reduction.　

We would like to thank Food Bank Meguro for this very valuable opportunity.