I was approached by a Mercy College student this morning to answer some questions in response to my service with Food For Thought. I thought the answers may give some insight to those that are interested in volunteering and those that have a difficult time understanding why I devote so much time to it.
1) Why was FFT started? What was the need that had to be filled? How long has it been in existance?
FFT began Memorial Day 2007. A handful of compassionate people noticed a need for the unhoused downtown to receive food. They gathered together and made a few dozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They then walked the streets of downtown Toledo and offered them to anyone they thought may like some PB&J. We now also operate a food pantry in Oregon and a mobile pantry that travels throughout Lucas County four times a month. These pantries together serve nearly 1300 families each month.
What set FFT apart from other organizations is that we were, and still are, more concerned with developing relationships with those that we serve instead of just a handout of food. We believe in serving more than the body.
2) How many volunteers do you have? How many paid staff?
We are blessed with many volunteers! We have two paid staff-our Executive Director and Assistant Director. Due to the nature of our mission, our number of volunteers is constantly changing. We probably average 100-150 each week, and in 2009 we logged around 25,000 volunteer hours!
3) What do you feel is the first responsibility of FFT and of yours as marketing director?
I believe that FFT's responsibility, as I touched on in your first question, is to treat all of our patrons with dignity and respect. Many of these families and individuals have experienced hardships that brought them to us. We want to be a place where they can go and forget about these worries, feel welcomed and appreciated and even loved.
As the marketing director, my job is to ensure that our message is consistent across all mediums. Equally important, that our community is aware of the organization and how we are striving to make a difference. As you know, we only have two paid staff members, so we rely heavily on our amazing volunteers to spread the word about programs and activities and provide donations. We are proud of our grassroots and thankfully today's technology allows us to grow without the large budgets that other groups in the past would need.
4) What is the mission and vision of FFT? Has that changed over the course of time? Do you see it changing in the future?
Food For Thought’s mission is to serve those in various needs despite their position in order to develop relationships that aid in reconciliation and redemption. I can proudly say that our mission hasn't changed one bit! I certainly hope that it doesn't change. We strive to ensure we are congruent with this mission in all of our planning, programs and policies.
5) What is the biggest concern the leaders of FFT have?
Our biggest concern in the majority of conversations is whether or not we are doing enough to help those in need. We have the heart and ambition to help everyone, but sometimes we don't have the resources available to do so.
6) How does the leadership of FFT hold itself acountable? Who are you accountable to? Who is your customer?
Our two staff members are also present at all of our board meetings. We have a diverse board of directors that adhere to policies and procedures and vote on all major decisions within the organization. In addition, we are blessed with amazing community sponsors and donors. They entrust us with their funding and resources to uphold ethical standards and disperse their funds appropriately.
Our customer? That's a great question! We really strive to help anyone in need--whatever they may be. We began as a group of people helping a few unhoused individuals downtown, and now we are assisting families affected by the tornado, elderly and disabled women in need of home repairs and feeding thousands of families even beyond the Lucas County border.
We're not sure where the future may take us from here, but it is very exciting to be part of such a genuine and giving group of people. I believe that I am the one benefiting from serving Food For Thought. It has sincerely changed my life for the better.
