This holiday season, BMCC’s Out in Two scholars volunteered at the New York Food Bank warehouse in the Bronx.
Out in Two is an academic program that helps students graduate from BMCC within two consecutive years, and summer classes can be included in the duration.
At the Food Bank warehouse, the scholars organized and packaged donated goods, which included canned food, fruits, grains and drinks. These food boxes are then distributed to various shelters, agencies and churches throughout Manhattan and the outer boroughs.
The New York Food Bank warehouse manager, James Devore, explained to the group of approximately 15 BMCC students how to stack and arrange the donated goods by weight.
Eager to help, the students arranged themselves into assembly lines and packaged as many boxes as they could in one afternoon. Food is donated by individuals, companies and supermarkets.
Volunteers are always welcomed
According to Devore, volunteers are always needed at the Food Bank, at any time of year, and “anyone who wants to help won’t be turned away.”
“Volunteering at the Food Bank is fun,” said Jason Kwok, a Video Arts Technology major, who was taping up some boxes filled with canned goods. “But it’s even better knowing you are helping thousands of people.”
Food Bank helps thousands
The New York Food Bank operates year round, and students from all over Manhattan volunteer their time, packaging, weighing and distributing food for those in need. For some BMCC Out-in-Two scholars, this was their second time volunteering at the New York Food Bank.
“What they do here at the Food bank is amazing—helping so many people in these times, with the way the economy is,” said volunteer Leslie-Ann Reid-Bacchus, a Liberal Arts major who has volunteered at the Food Bank before.
Dominique Edwards, also a Liberal Arts major, said she was happy to help out at the Food Bank, especially since, “for a while, I’ve wanted to come here and volunteer.”
At the end of the afternoon, the Out-in-Two scholars packed 3,502 lbs. of food, which is equivalent to 4,377 meals.
About Out in Two
To be eligible for Out in Two, students must submit a personal essay, be currently enrolled in an AA, AS or AAS degree program as a freshman, and complete 12 credits with a 3.0 minimum GPA. Out in Two scholars receive a scholarship for their last three consecutive semesters of work and may be eligible for a summer grant. Out in Two students must take a minimum of 12 credits per semester and maintain the minimum 3.0 GPA.
Out in Two students must also participate in volunteer activities during their time at BMCC. They sign contracts, committing themselves to their academic and social requirements.
Food Bank procures and distributes food citywide
Food Bank For New York City’s mission is to end hunger by organizing food, information and support for community survival and dignity. Working to end food poverty and increase access to affordable, nutritious food for low-income New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs, the Food Bank’s initiatives focus on direct services, food sourcing and distribution, nutrition and health education, financial empowerment, disaster relief and policy and research.
For more info about the Food Bank, click here.
