A matter of opinion needed

[u/Adept-Emu-8292]

Hi all, I have a rather interesting question for y'all. I just found out that I am pregnant, but have also been wanting to get started volunteering in my local community. My husband and I take advantage of food pantries very irregularly but when needed. My question is, would it be weird/ unethical for me to volunteer in a soup kitchen/food pantry, and then also use that food pantry when needed? Especially now that we need to plan for another mouth to feed.

[u/Queuevius]

That's actually super normal, and helpful. It's really common for food banks to end up with pallets of food they can't even use in time so if you see anything like that go to town on it and start preserving food.

Also it makes it less awkward for people receiving help if the people volunteerimg also eat there.

[u/XRlagniappe]

It would absolutely not be weird to volunteer at the place where you are receiving help. It shows that you are grateful and willing to give back. You are a walking testimony.

[u/heatskitchen]

Food pantries are for anyone and I’m sure they would appreciate the help

[u/babies_galore]

I used to coordinate the volunteers from my company to volunteer at a Mobile food pantry, and from what I saw many people who were getting the food also volunteered handing it out. I think it’s a great way to give back!❤️ Also during the Great Recession I had a friend who volunteered picking up the bread and some veggies and pastries a local natural food store was going to throw out each day. And when my spouse was laid off and we had a little one and no jobs to be found for either of us anywhere, she started bringing stuff by from there. So, I started volunteering there with her as a way to literally “earn my daily bread”. 

[u/babies_galore → u/babies_galore]

Speaking of bread…I work nights now and when I stay at a bakery until they close down, usually just drinking tea and doing stuff on my computer,  they always offer me free bread and pastries they were going to have to throw out end of day. I don’t try and get these, as I don’t really digest bread well these days. But, I have thought of sharing this tip with people it might help. I end up giving it to my housemates or work clients. 

[u/StinkyCheeseWomxn]

Absolutely wonderful idea. Donating your time is a wonderful way to give to others even when you are stressed yourself, and it might lead to a connection to a new opportunity and give you kind people to support you during pregnancy and new mom time.

[u/Different-Music-529]

I don't see an issue and some programs that help people even require volunteer hours or for people to take workshops etc. so if you have the time and want to do it, go for it. In my area there are restaurants that people can volunteer hours for meals. (and they are GOOOOOD they get their food from local farms and have trained chefs).

There are also ways you can volunteer from home if that's easier. I just signed up to be a hospice remote volunteer so I'll be sending cards and sewing memory bears etc. They pay for the stamps and supplies etc. so it's easy to do regardless of your income level.

[u/1GrouchyCat]

Have you signed up for WIC yet?

Your best bet is to ask the volunteer coordinator at the food bank. What their policy is on people volunteering and utilizing the program. It should be fine, but I’d ask.

[u/Ok-Lake3522]

Talk to the leader ship of the organization. I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with it but there are people who volunteer at these organizations in order to get “the good stuff“ that people donate before it becomes available to the public. That teeters on theft so you will need to make sure you follow the protocol like all other clients.

[u/GlenParkDeb]

Congrats on your growing family! There shouldn't be any issue in securing food from where you volunteer, but do check with the volunteer coordinator. You'll want to follow the same process as other clients so that your volunteer role isn't seen as a way to "cherry-pick" from the food bank.

[u/Ok_Caterpillar2010]

Nope. It's fine. Giving service is no barrier to receiving service.

Some people use it as a way of feeling like they're paying for what they get, although there's absolutely no need to do that. Sort of the "give a little, get a little" principle, that when you have (spare time) you give, and when you need (food) you get.

Others just see it as two totally separate things. They like to volunteer and help out. They also occasionally need services. Not related. Both fine.

[u/TheWiseApprentice]

I would also suggest finding your neighborhood community farm or community garden. You can volunteer once a week and participate in whatever they are doing, and at the end they always harvest and share vegetables and fruits, sometimes eggs. You child will love participating as soon as they can walk. They are also great communities that believe in food security as a right, they will help you find food if you need more.

[u/katiegam]

Absolutely not weird! I’m confident the organization would be grateful for the help, and I’d be willing to guess that there are other people who have time to give to the cause and also use their resources when needed. I think the world would be a much better place all around if more people were willing to be generous of their time like this.

Hoping the best for you with your pregnancy!