Food Pantry Volunteers
At Back Bay Mission, we are always looking for ways to better serve our community.
Over the past year, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of individuals and families turning to our Client-Choice Food Pantry for assistance.
To meet this growing need, we’ve made a few key changes that’ve allow us to serve more people efficiently!
A New Shopping Process
One of the biggest changes involves how guests receive their food from our pantry.
Previously, guests would physically enter the pantry, grab a cart, and select their own items from our shelves. While this system worked well for many years, the dramatic increase in daily visitors created long wait times and constraints for our volunteers and staff.
Today, guests are handed a shopping list to circle which items they want, and then our Food Pantry volunteers shop on their behalf. This updated process allows our team to move more quickly, reduce wait times, and ensure that more neighbors receive the assistance they need each day.
While the process looks different, our commitment to treating every single guest with dignity, respect, and patience remains exactly the same.
Expanding Access Across Mississippi
Another exciting change is who can receive assistance from our Food Pantry.
In the past, our services were limited to residents of Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties. Today, any Mississippi resident can receive food assistance through Back Bay Mission.
Guests simply need to provide proof of Mississippi residency, such as:
- A Mississippi ID
- A lease agreement showing a Mississippi address
By expanding our services to all statewide, we’ve been able to assist even more individuals and families facing food insecurity.
What Volunteers Should Expect
Volunteers play a critical role in keeping our Food Pantry running smoothly. If you’re considering serving with us, here’s what you can expect!
Shopping for Guests
Volunteers help gather food and supplies for both housed and unsheltered guests.
For housed guests, volunteers use a shopping list to collect available pantry items, which may include:
- Shelf-stable foods
- Bread
- Frozen meats
- Refrigerated items when available
For unsheltered guests, volunteers prepare and distribute day-bags designed to support those living outdoors.
Physical Requirements
Volunteering in the Food Pantry requires to be lightly active.
Volunteers should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, as much of the day is spent navigating the pantry and storage areas. Tasks may include:
- Standing for extended periods
- Bending and reaching
- Lifting donations
- Carrying boxes or bags of food
Because of these physical demands, Food Pantry volunteer work may not be the best fit for individuals with mobility limitations.
What's in a
Day-Bag?
A day-bag is a black bag packed by volunteers with enough food and supplies to help sustain an unsheltered guest for approximately one week.
Items may include:
- Ramen noodles
- Peanut butter
- Oatmeal
- Individually packaged snacks
- Bottled water
- Soft drinks
- Protein-rich pop top soups
These bags provide practical nutrition for individuals who may not have access to refrigeration, cooking facilities, or stable housing.
As community needs continue to grow, these changes allow Back Bay Mission to provide food assistance to more people than ever before.
Whether you’re receiving support, donating food, or volunteering your time, you’re helping ensure that our neighbors have access to food and care.
Together, we are strengthening neighborhoods, seeking justice, and transforming lives one meal at a time!
