Behind every food order that leaves Daily Bread Food Bank’s warehouse is a team of dedicated staff and volunteers working together to ensure nutritious food reaches people across the community. For longtime warehouse volunteer Kat Malone, every afternoon shift is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Kat starts by checking in at the Welcome Centre, grabbing her name tag, and storing her belongings before heading to the cafeteria for lunch. It’s a chance to catch up with fellow volunteers and staff, many of whom have become close friends over the years.
“I always look forward to seeing everyone,” Kat says. “The people here are wonderful.”
Then the work begins. Her job is to collect products from the shelves, using a handheld scanner to confirm each one. With each beep of her scanner, another item is added to the order. From canned goods and fresh produce to refrigerated products, every order is different and requires careful attention to ensure the right items and quantities are selected.
As Kat moves through the warehouse, she knows every box she picks will help provide nutritious food to families, seniors, newcomers, and others experiencing food insecurity.
“It’s rewarding knowing you’re helping people,” she says. ‘Even if it seems like a small thing, it all adds up.”
Once she starts an order, she carefully builds the pallet, placing heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter items at the top to keep everything secure for transport.
“It’s like playing Tetris,” she says with a laugh. “You’re always figuring out how to make everything fit safely.”
Years of experience have taught her how to maximize space before wrapping each pallet and sending it on to the next step of its journey.
She’s been volunteering since 2020, when she was looking for a meaningful way to spend her time in her recent retirement. Her Daily Bread shifts are now a part of her weekly routine, bringing friendships and a shared sense of purpose.
“Everyone is working toward the same goal,” she said. “You really feel like you’re making a difference together.”
Interested in volunteering at Daily Bread? Check out our volunteer page to learn more.
