Friends of Food Security: Feeding the Need
Volunteer incentive program to continue to March 31, 2021

January 29, 2021
Due to the outpouring of support, and the graciousness of funders John T. Vucurevich Foundation and Black Hills Area Community Foundation, the Friends of Food Security: Feeding the Need program has been extended to March 31, 2021.

A big thank you to the time and effort of volunteers who have given to the Friends of Food Security program thus far. We’ve seen this program, make an incredible impact on the food security efforts in the Black Hills area.
 
The program, which launched November 30, 2020, incentivizes Black Hills area residents to give their time to Feeding South Dakota and Meals on Wheels Western South Dakota. To date, 137 individuals have signed up and given a combined total of more than 1,797 hours of service to the two agencies.

One volunteer had this to say of their volunteering after needing to simply complete a couple hours, "...I realized what I was doing, especially for the kids, it touched my heart that I was able to help the needy with food. Even if it's just packing the food for them. I'm just glad that I can help some kind of way for my community."

Friends of Food Security partners include the Helpline Center, the John T. Vucurevich Foundation, and the Black Hills Area Community Foundation’s Collective Impact Food Security Initiative. The program is administered by the Helpline Center, and eligible volunteers who complete a minimum number of volunteer hours receive Walmart gift cards funded by the philanthropic partners. 

To be eligible:
  • All volunteers must sign up for the incentive program at helplinecenter.org/foodvolunteer.
  • Individuals receive a $25 Walmart gift card for every 4 hours of volunteer time completed by March 31, 2021. Gift cards are mailed on the 1st and 15th of each month to qualified volunteers.
  • Current volunteers of these organizations are eligible for the incentive program by signing up on the Helpline Center’s website.
  • Groups who volunteer are eligible but must sign up and be tracked as individuals.

Volunteer tasks could include delivering meals, preparing food boxes, or assisting at mobile food distribution sites. Both Feeding South Dakota and Meals on Wheels Western South Dakota have implemented strong COVID-19 safety protocols to protect volunteers, staff, and food recipients.

The goal of the incentive program is to connect new volunteers to food security volunteer opportunities, especially at a time when both organizations are experiencing a huge increase in need but a decrease in volunteers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on the Friends of Food Security: Feeding the Need program, please contact Audrey Nordine at bhvol@helplinecenter.org or call 211.

Thank you,
Audrey Nordine
Black Hills Program Coordinator
Helpline Center

Volunteer Connections
The Helpline Center’s Volunteer Connections Program serves as the Volunteer Center for the Sioux Empire, Black Hills, and Brookings by providing the critical link between those who want to volunteer and the agencies that need them. Our online volunteer database, has volunteer opportunities listed for area nonprofits. Volunteers can search these opportunities to find the perfect volunteer experience.
Get Connected. Get Help.