Yuma Community Food Bank distributes one million pounds of food to the community

Lauren Duffel shares who is helping distribute all of this food, and what they're still looking for.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Yuma Community Food Bank has distributed over one million pounds of food to the community this past month.

"The carts you see behind built behind us. We go through and give out [600-700)] a day so our volunteers are definitely vital to building those and helping us get those out," Laurie Baker, Volunteer Coordinator for the Food Bank.

Hundreds of volunteers help sort and distribute donations so neighbors can take home fresh produce and pantry staples.

But while the shelves are often bursting with fresh vegetables, staff say there's a growing nutritional gap.

Many neighbors aren't receiving enough protein rich foods and volunteers continuously work to bring fresh food to neighbors in Yuma and La Paz County in need every week.

Baker shares how crucial volunteers are in their daily operations

"We only have approximately 15 employees right now and that the only amount we usually ever have and the rest is volunteer based so everything we do serving those two counties is definitely volunteer based we need our volunteers," Baker explained.

With a small team, volunteers are truly essential for the Food Bank. For some, volunteering is a way to serve the community and give back.

"It's heart warming to be able to help others and give back to the community, it just makes you feel good all over," said Mary Cooper, a volunteer.

Their efforts are the backbone of the operation.

If you're looking to make a difference in your community, consider volunteering at the Yuma Community Food Bank.