My Nonprofit Reviews
Margaret
Review for Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, Oak Park, IL, USA
This is a very organized group and personally very rewarding to volunteer for. The new shoppers choice system is so excellent as the food recipients are treated as if in a grocery store with a choice of items . This system is more dignified for the recipients. Also with this shoppers choice system I think there is less wasted food as in the past many people received food they couldn't use (due to allergies or diabetes, etc.). Sometimes now a person will just bypass the fruit (for example) if they cannot take the sugar. As a vlounteer you are slotted in a spot when you arrive and become productive right away. There is sufficient training for new volunteers also.
I also enjoy the seasonal give-aways of turkeys or hams with the lottery. My only complaint is that some recipients didn't know they had received the ham/turkey (via lottery). I am not sure if it is the food pantry's fault but a number of people came who did NOT receive the ham/turkey and also many whose names were drawn did NOT show up. Volunteers were on the phone calling those who had not shown up at the last minute. I am not sure how to improve the lottery process.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen many homeless or underemployed people receive food and it is very rewarding. These people are very grateful. The organization is so well run. There are numerous activites to be involved in depending on your interest and time availiblity. Also, my daughter has volunteered monthly in the food distribution program and has become very empathetic to the plight of the underemplyed/homeless.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Figure out a better way to notify the "lottery" recipients of turkeys and hams.
