Feed My Starving Children and The Good Grocer present two very different methods of
alleviating the same problem: food insecurity. They are both inspired by the teachings of Jesus to
feed the hungry and serve thy neighbor. However, this is where the similarities between the
organizations end. The volunteer experience, scale, operations, and messaging are drastically
different. Because of this, the impact made by each organization looks unlike the other and carry
potential risks unique to each.
Volunteer Experience
The volunteer experience at FMSC is structured to run like a well-oiled machine. The
meal-packing process is reminiscent of the scientific management theories applied to the Ford
Motor Company in the early 20th century. Every step of the process is laid out to minimize error,
boost efficiency, and ensure that the maximum number of meals are packed over the two-hour
period. After assuming one of the small, repetitive tasks, one starts to feel like a small cog in a
very large system. To alleviate this and keep volunteers motivated, FMSC does two things. They
pump fun, upbeat music throughout the facility and encourage volunteers to get competitive
against each other, creating a game-like feeling. Due to the unavoidable distance and anonymity
between the volunteer and the child on the receiving end of the MannaPack, the shift is wrapped
up with an anecdote from one of the MannaPack recipients, as well as a celebration of the
volunteers’ productivity.
In contrast to this, The Good Grocer volunteers may experience something different at
every shift. The experience is dependent upon what gifts the volunteer already possesses. The
volunteer shift is focused on matching volunteer skills to organizational need. Therefore, if you
have experience working in media, they may ask you to contribute to their website. If you are
have a knack for fixing things, they may assign you a building repair task. Because The Good
Grocer is such a small organization, they can afford to use such a loose structure that is tailored
to each person. Volunteering at The Good Grocer feels less like “giving” and more like
“exchanging”; for a few hours of time, an individual is given the 25% discount in return. This
decreases the need for the constant motivation that one finds at an organization like FMSC;
people are self-motivated, because they are playing the role of both the giver and the receiver.
Operations and Structure
Part of the reason that FMSC functions like a machine is that the operations are carried
out on a national scale. Every detail of the process must be standardized to ensure that safety
standards are being met by each of the thousands of volunteers. The organization is funded solely
on donations made by individuals, churches, and foundations. FMSC goes to great measures to
