"I have muscles now that I never had before!” says Martha Ryan, a volunteer at Second Harvest of Silicon Valley Second Harvest.

Ryan, a volunteer, has contributed to Second Harvest for many years as an employee of Maxim Integrated. As a retiree, Ryan started donating her time when the Covid-19 epidemic hit. She took action and became a volunteer, actively going to the facility three times a week, working for half a day.

As shelter in place began, Ryan was fortunate to have financial security and was able to take shelter with her family which she says, “has been mostly enjoyable”. She enjoys bike riding and working at the food bank gives her a purposeful destination to ride her bike three days a week, which gives her a bit of structured time.

“I’ve met some really nice people who keep volunteering each week,” according to Ryan. Volunteering at the North First Street (San José) warehouse food packing and distribution site, gives her a sense of mental awareness to be a part of the community.

Second Harvest is following all CDC guidelines to protect their volunteers during Covid-19 pandemic. They require everyone to “Mask-Up” - Second Harvest requires all workers in the facility to wear a mask. Second Harvest also provides a “Safe environment” - with volunteers required to maintain proper social distancing while sorting and repackaging food according to CDC guidelines.

At the Second Harvest of Silicon Valley's food sorting/ packaging facility, many food items are processed for delivery to families impacted by the pandemic. From fresh fruit, vegetables, chicken and bread to prepackaged meals donated by other corporations, food safety has never been more protected.

“If you have the time, volunteering is a rewarding way to make a difference in the community. The facility is run thoughtfully and safely with all precautions in place to protect the staff and volunteers from COVID-19,” Ryan notes. “My fellow volunteers are also dedicated and interesting with diverse backgrounds. It’s fun to be part of the team!”

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley needs people like Martha Ryan and YOU. People who know that while we all come from diverse backgrounds, we’re all one community. Second Harvest’s mission is to “lead our community to ensure that anyone who needs a healthy meal can get one.”

It’s a “heavy lift” but with volunteers like Martha Ryan and yourself, the muscles you develop help not only during a pandemic but to combat the food insecurities in our community.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED NOW! MORE THAN EVER - Make a difference in your community! #SiliconValleyStrong means food for all. Second Harvest of Silicon Valley needs volunteers to help distribute food to the community. Sign up NOW at www.shfb.org/give-help/volunteer.