Applying the Fish! Principles to the Food Bank Jose M. Reyes II COMM: Communication Issues for Leaders Dec. 6 th, 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.

 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.

 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.

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

 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

 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?

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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?

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.

DatesPurposeComments December 9, 2011 Go to each distribution site and talk to volunteers about idea. January 1, 2012Propose idea to Director. January 15, 2012 Hold meeting for volunteers explaining what is required. January 25, 2012Begin distribution of food. Feb. 1, 2012 Hold meeting with volunteer to discuss problems, concerns, issues