Fort Myers food bank volunteers pack thousands of meals for families

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK)—WINK News anchors are volunteering at mobile pantries and warehouses this week in partnership with the Harry Chapin Food Bank and the WINK Feeds Families initiative.

The effort comes during National Volunteer Month, with WINK News team members packing boxes for seniors and sorting produce for families. Thousands of volunteers sign up each year to support the food bank's mission across Southwest Florida.

Raymond Pratt, who has volunteered for nearly a decade sorting food and packing boxes, said the work is about more than just filling containers.

"My goal every day, when I come, is to get as much done as I can, because that's that many more families that want to get something to eat on that plate," Pratt said.

Pratt emphasized the dedication volunteers bring to their work.

"We're going all out, and we're doing as much as we can," Pratt said.

Harry Chapin Food Bank CEO Richard Leber said the organization's ability to provide meals depends entirely on volunteer support. Without volunteers, the food bank would need to spend an estimated $1.5 million in labor costs to replace them with paid staff.

"Plus, what a wonderful thing for the community, for the volunteers, I guarantee you, they're all having a wonderful time," Leber said. "We love our volunteers, and I guarantee they love us too."

Continuing from Monday, 45 volunteers signed up through the WINK Feeds Families initiative—more than the food bank typically receives in one week. 

Beyond the satisfaction of helping those in need, volunteers also form meaningful connections while working together.