A-SPAN -- 2708 South Nelson Street, Arlington, Virginia -- 703-820-HELP (4357)

HOMELESS BAGGED MEAL PROGRAM

Frequently Asked Questions

 How do I become a HMBP volunteer?

After reading over our website, call our Volunteer Coordinator at 703 820 4357 ext. 17 or email to aspanvolunteer@aol.com.

 Who volunteers for the HBMP?

A-SPAN counts on the help of individuals, families, youth groups, churches, synagogues, temples, schools, civic associations, businesses…the list goes on.  Our volunteers are driven to learn more about homelessness in our community and determined to do something about it.

What’s the difference between the two parts (Preparation and Serving) of the HBMP?

Preparation Volunteers are those who make the bagged meals – they buy the groceries, organize a team, and put the meals together in a group or private kitchen.  Serving Volunteers are those who serve the bagged meals and hot food provided by the DC Central Kitchen from their vehicle in two different locations in Arlington.

There are instructions on the website for Preparation Volunteers and Serving Volunteers.  What if my group wants to do both?

Many groups both prepare and serve the bagged meals.  It simply means that you need to have your prepared bagged meals ready in time to pick up the hot food at Sullivan House at 5:45pm and be at the Oakland Mini-Park by 6:00pm.  

How many volunteers does it take?

Preparation Volunteers need one person to buy the groceries and a minimum of about four people to put the bagged meals together.  Some groups (especially schools and youth groups) work in teams of up to 20.

Serving Volunteers need to work in teams of at least two people, in one vehicle.  Although some groups include more people, we recommend using only one vehicle to avoid problems with caravanning and parking as you move from location to location.

I’m just one person.  Which part should I participate in?

Individual volunteers should begin with the Serving portion of the HBMP.  The Volunteer Coordinator will place you with other individual volunteers to form a group.  Individual families may begin with either the Preparation or Serving portion of the HBMP. 

How long does it take?  How often will I volunteer?

Preparation Volunteers should count on enough time to buy the groceries, and then 1.5-2 hours to prepare the bagged meals.  Because the meals must be delivered to the Serving Volunteers by 6pm, most groups begin preparing around 4:00pm.

Serving Volunteers should expect to commit 1.5 hours in one evening’s work.  They begin at 5:45pm when they pick up DC Central Kitchen hot food at Sullivan House and are usually finished by around 7:15pm.

The HBMP operates 365 days a year and we book our volunteer schedule in six-month blocks.  There are always openings for new volunteers, however, and new groups/individuals will generally volunteer with A-SPAN once a month to begin.

Do I need a car?

Preparation Volunteers need only coordinate among themselves so that one vehicle is available for buying groceries, transporting them to the designated kitchen, and then delivering the prepared bagged meals to the Serving Volunteers.  Serving Volunteers must have a vehicle to transport food between 3-4 different locations in one evening.

Do we need to prepare meals in a County-certified kitchen with the presence of a Food Safety Manager?

No.

Until March of 2007, Arlington County required that the food A-SPAN served be prepared in a certified, inspected kitchen and in the presence of a Food Safety Manager.  Many long-time A-SPAN volunteers had their kitchens inspected and underwent food safety management training in order to comply with these regulations.  In March, however, state legislation was passed that exempts charitable organizations engaged in food distribution programs from local and state food safety regulations.

This means that the bagged meals may be prepared in any suitable location, including private homes.  Many groups will continue to prepare the meals in the kitchens of their religious organizations, community groups, or schools.  Of course, A-SPAN expects volunteers to follow standard food safety practices including preparation in a clean environment, with gloves, using clean equipment.

What exactly are we serving?

Serving Volunteers serve bagged meals together with hot food provided by the DC Central Kitchen.  The bagged meals are provided by the Preparation Volunteers and are dropped off directly with the Serving Volunteers at the Oakland Mini-Park.  The hot food is picked up by the Serving Volunteers at Sullivan House. 

What’s in a bagged meal?  How much does it cost?

A bagged meal includes two sandwiches, one fruit item, one sweet snack (no chocolate, please), one savory snack, and one beverage.  It costs between $125 and $150 for the groceries to prepare 60 bagged meals. 

Is the HBMP appropriate for children?

Children and teenagers are encouraged to participate in the Preparation portion of the HBMP; we count on the help of many schools, churches, youth groups, Brownie troops, etc.  However, the Serving portion of the HBMP is not appropriate for young children.  Older teenagers may participate at the discretion of their parents.

What if something strange happens when I’m serving the meals?

Serving volunteers should be prepared to be assertive; there is a limited amount of food and there are rules regarding seconds, etc.  Volunteers will find that the majority of the time interactions with clients are overwhelmingly positive. 

A-SPAN encourages volunteers to carry a cell phone in the event of a medical or police emergency.  Volunteers should not attempt to mediate conflicts, and if you feel unsafe you should simply leave the area and notify A-SPAN of the situation.

What is Sullivan House? 

Sullivan House is a residential center.  It is not affiliated with A-SPAN, yet generously provides us with a central location for drop-off and pick-up of hot food from the DC Central Kitchen.

What are the details of the Preparation portion of the HBMP?

Please see “HBMP: Instructions for Preparation Volunteers.”

What are the details of the Serving portion of the HBMP?

Please see “HBMP: Instructions for Serving Volunteers.”

Are there any other volunteer opportunities with A-SPAN?

Of course!  We are always looking for volunteers to help with administrative office work, direct service at the front desk of our drop-in center (Opportunity Place), direct service at our Emergency Winter Shelter, participation in the annual Help The Homeless Walk-a-Thon (in November), and coordination of donation drives for various needed items.  Please see “Volunteer Opportunities.”