Applying the Fish! Principles to the Food BankJose M. Reyes II

COMM: Communication Issues for LeadersDec. 6th, 2011

The Food Bank of South Jersey exists to provide an immediate solution to the urgent problem of hunger by providing food to needy people, teaching them to eat nutritiously, and helping them to find sustainable ways to improve their lives.

Mission of the Food Bank

The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) operates on one simple premise: food should not be wasted when hungry people are in our midst. From this truth, it has built an effective food distribution program that annually links 8 million pounds of food with over 200 charitable food providers, such as, food pantries, soup kitchens and emergency shelters.

History of the Food Bank

Food Bank of South Jersey is the largest source of government and " non-government" food assistance in South Jersey.

Since it’s inception, FB has provided more than 100 million pounds of food--the equivalent of 76 million meals--to thousands of families, seniors, individuals, and children in need.

History of the Food Bank (contd)

Programs at the Food Bank

The Hope Mobile, a mobile food pantry, will carry truckload quantities of food to be distributed in those areas that lack access to the foods that comprise a well balanced, nutrient rich diet.

The 18 wheel tractor trailer will hold 45,000 lbs of food and will travel over a four county area to reach over 21,000 families and individuals living at or below the poverty level.

The Hope Mobile

The Hope Mobile provides an immediate solution to those communities in great need but in short supply of surplus food.

 

The Hope Mobile (contd)

Valerie Brown Traore, CEO Val has overall responsibility for the strategic,

programmatic, financial, and management operations of the $11M nonprofit organization based in New Jersey.

Joe Njoroge ,Chief Operating Officer  Ujwala Samant, PhD, Director, Programs and Services

Margaret Guellich, CFRE, Director, Fund Development  Lydia Cipriani, Director, Strategic Marketing & Special

Events

Key Figures of the Food Bank

A new program is going to implemented through the Hope Mobile, which will allow volunteers to bring food to those clients who are not able to get to the distribution sites.

As a result, how does the Food Bank apply the Fish! Principles in determining the best volunteers to carry out this program?

So what’s the issue?

Make sure to hire volunteers that have positive attitudes.

Optimistic, outgoing, and positive. Volunteers must realize that they are here

because they want to be, not cause they have to be.

Many people who work a 9-5 job are there with bad attitudes.

1st Principle: Choose your attitude

Important to select volunteers that are not only willing to drive to client’s homes, but to do it in a manner that will not make the client’s feel embarrassed.

Having a positive attitude should create a relationship with the client making them look forward to seeing them next month.

Monthly meetings will be held with volunteers to make sure a positive attitude is in tact.

Choose your attitude (contd)

Briefly explain to volunteers the meaning of play in regards to the Fish! Literature.

Be sure to make it the adult, fish playground by having fun with the clients such as smiling, making jokes, or magic tricks if they know any.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring kids along while distribution food to the clients.

Children are able to create that childhood fantasy with older people.

2nd Principle: Play

If volunteers have animals, such as cats, dogs, etc. that do not bite, they are encouraged to bring them along.

Animals in hospitals create a sense of hope and happiness with people. This can be said for those who live alone and can not drive.

At monthly meetings, come up with new and innovative ways to playfully engage with clients.

2nd Principle: Play (contd)

Volunteers are engage in conversation with clients and not to make them feel as if they are below them, but rather apart of them. i.e a friend.

Don’t make clients feel as if they are an obligation, but a desire to help.

Try not to stand apart from the clients but to respectfully include them in the volunteers fun.

3rd Principle: Make their day

Volunteers are encourage to ask clients to pet the animals and engage in conversation with the children.

If the client gives permission, allow the volunteer to take a picture of the client, volunteers and children. This creates a positive memory for the client.

3rd Principle: Make their day

Volunteers are required to fully engaged in conversation with the clients.

This means being receptive to any and all questions, comments, and concerns.

Focus on the client’s stories and not simply daydreaming.

Don’t be in a rush to go to the next house.

4th Principle: Be Present

Be open to suggestions that clients may have and include them in your thought process.

If a question is asked from a client and the volunteers does not have an answer, the volunteers should get back to the clients in a timely fashion.

4th Principle: Be Present ( contd)

To hold monthly meetings with volunteers to discuss and problems, concerns, or issues.

An informal forum would be best suited in keeping with the Fish! Principles.

Three questions will be asked of volunteers prior to committing to this program.

Evaluation Plan

Are you willing to accept responsibility for driving your own vehicles and paying for your own expenses?

Is this something that you are able to committee to for at least six months?

Are you able to apply the Fish! Principles that was explained to you?

Evaluation Plan (cont’d)

In order to make sure that the clients are given the care that is needed, other volunteers (not affiliated with this program) will be asked to go to client’s houses periodically to see if there were any problems or concerns that needed to be addressed.

Evaluation Plan (cont’d)

Dates Purpose CommentsDecember 9, 2011

Go to each distribution site and talk to volunteers about idea.

January 1, 2012 Propose idea to Director.

January 15, 2012Hold meeting for volunteers explaining what is required.

January 25, 2012 Begin distribution of food.

Feb. 1, 2012Hold meeting with volunteer to discuss problems, concerns, issues

Appendices