Our Daily Bread director discusses volunteering at program for retirees

This month, “Making the Most of Retirement” will be hosting Becky Taylor who will discuss "Volunteering at Our Daily Bread." The program takes place tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. here at the library and is part of a monthly series presented by OSU Emeriti.

Our Daily Bread (ODB) is a local food bank available to qualifying residents of Payne County. Volunteers are needed Monday-Friday and can choose between working in the back or front of the house, making ODB an excellent choice for people who are extroverted or introverted.

Back of the house volunteers help with stocking products, sorting produce and filling the freezers. They also assist with ‘retail recovery,” which means that they go to stores that have merchandise to provide and bring it back to ODB.

Front of house workers might help with receptionist-type duties or assist with the intake process, which includes determining whether a resident qualifies to shop at the food bank. These volunteers also serve as personal shoppers, helping participants select food, bag groceries, and take food out to cars. Shopping sessions take place four times a week and one Saturday a month.

Becky says that spending this one on one time with shoppers is definitely one of the benefits of volunteering.

“When a volunteer invests time, they get the opportunity to help fight hunger and see the people who benefit from their work,” said Taylor. “They also get a chance to see the many faces of hunger in the community.

According to the ODB website, the faces of hungry are many and for some people, surprising.

18% of the Payne County population is food insecure, meaning they “lack reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.” Contrary to the belief that food bank shoppers do not work, 78% of the ODB recipients are employed while 25% are retired.

More information about volunteering for ODB will be provided at the program, and people who cannot attend may visit the ODB website at https://www.ourdailybreadfrc.org.

“Making the Most of Retirement” is a free program which addresses topics of interest to retirees and those who are nearing retirement.

The next program takes place June 20 with Tonya Ingram who will address "Starting and Maintaining a Support Group." On July 18, Timothy Walker will discuss "The Grief Share Program.”