After its introduction in 2014, the Good Food Box program has been an outlet for volunteer action as well as a cheap, reliable monthly food source.
For volunteer coordinator Maria Gammie, the program is a great way to meet new people in the community.
“It’s not a big job but it’s got to be done,” said Gammie.
Members who have signed up arrive between 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to pick up their individual box.
Depending on the certain time of year, the boxes contain a variety of different fruits and vegetables. The volunteers create a line where each box is filled with what is needed then passed down the line, creating an easy system.
The process of getting a food box is quite simple. All you do is sign a sheet, pay your tab for the small or large box bought then fill a bag brought from home.
“You have to be a little bit organized, that’s all,” said Gammie.
Gammie found out about the program through the paper when the program just began.
“I thought ‘Well, might as well go and check it out and see what you can see’ and I just went for it,” said Gammie.
A couple of ladies were previously taking care of the volunteer coordination by making sure there was enough people to get everything ready. Gammie decided to take the task off their hands as she is retired and able to do so.
“You get to meet all different kinds of people, I have met so many people that sometimes you see their faces up town,” said Gammie. “You come here and you can put a name to the face.”
Gammie also helps members retrieve their boxes if they can not get the box during the day by getting volunteers to meet them and drop off the goods.
“You have to keep track of who volunteers because if you are a volunteer, you get half your money for your membership refunded as an incentive,” said Gammie.
Gammie enjoys her time volunteering as she is able to happily serve in the community.
“I want to be free to come and go as I please and this gives me the opportunity,” said Gammie.
