Volunteer Spotlight: Ruth Kaplan

Ruth Kaplan volunteers several hours a week in Product Recovery, where the bulk of food donations are sorted, weighed and processed into the warehouse.

Last week, at our annual “Hunger Heroes” appreciation luncheon, she spoke.  

“Today, you gave me a gift. One that means more to me than anything I ever bought, found or been given in a long time. You gave me the gift of hope, the gift of empowerment and the gift of inclusion.

For me, this luncheon is an incredible experience of community, belonging and believing; one that I have not had in many years.  Believing that I could do something positive, be a part of something positive and belong to this community of people making a positive difference in the world.

And the price you ask is so small – a few hours a week. I just wanted to thank you, and to let you know how much it means to me to be part of the Capital Area Food Bank.” 

Have you been inspired by volunteering at the Food Bank? Comment below and tell us about your experience.

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Thank you, Hunger Heroes!

Amy Silvey
Development Director

Is thankful for our community and supporters. She shares –

“As the Food Bank’s Development Director, I see the generosity of our community every day. People giving resources to a cause they believe in and an organization they believe is making an impact.

Yesterday, we celebrated our supporters with the annual “Hunger Heroes” appreciation luncheon, at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Austin.

Some were excited to see friends’ faces during the slide show, with pictures from CANstruction, Reggae Fest and Hurricane Ike relief food drives. Others learned new ways to support the Food Bank, as one of the speakers, Brenda Corley, spoke about Cool Kids, Square Roots (a square-foot gardening program launched at Paredes Middle School, planning to donate 1,600 pounds of produce to CAFB by the end of the year).

Gina Harris, Amy Silvey and Dr. Chiquita Eugene

We are grateful for the diverse support that comes from Food Bank program sponsors, longtime volunteers and donors, and corporate partners who hold Food and Fund Drives to rally thousands of employees for a common cause.

Our community cares about each other, rises to a challenge and believes in their impact. Millions of dollars and pounds of food each year, and thousands of volunteer hours each month, help the Food Bank reach our most vulnerable neighbors. This is why we call them Hunger Heroes.

Thank you for your continued support and for being Hunger Heroes.”

2009 Hunger Heroes Appreciation Luncheon pictures here.