Food Lifeline’s Volunteer Production Team has started 2022 on a tremendous note. Thanks to them, partner agencies visiting Shop the Dock last month were able to pick up over 150,000 pounds of food. Only two-thirds of the way through this fiscal year and we have already provided a million pounds of food through Shop the Dock alone. February 2022 also saw the lowest poundage of trash recorded in the history of the Hunger Solution Center!
Playing no small part in these accomplishments is Harmoni Bland, the Production Team’s newest member. Harmoni began working at Food Lifeline in January, and she has since become beloved by all the volunteers who have worked with her. We asked Harmoni to talk about the things that make her great.
 Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Harmoni Bland. I am from here, Seattle, Washington, and before I was at Food Lifeline, I worked at a plastic injection company in Ballard. I was the receiving clerk there for seven years.
Why were you interested in joining Food Lifeline?
I did a lot of research about Food Lifeline. Seeing what the whole organization is about and what their goal is, it’s something I’m passionate about. Working here was the best opportunity for me to both get into a field that I’m used to – I’ve worked in a warehouse, I work with people – and get something rewarding, knowing that at the end of the day we’re feeding thousands of people.
What does a day in the Hunger Solution Center look like for you?
Busy! It’s a busy day, lots of people, lots of interaction. It could be dog food, batteries, kitchen stuff, apples…I mean, it’s just a lot of stuff! But it’s very scheduled and organized, so I know any time I come to work I always have a job to do. You got to just get to it. It keeps me active.
What do you love about your job?
I love the freedom that I have in my job. I love to communicate with the community, and I love the fact that I’m helping. At the end of the day I go home knowing my work was one big good deed, regardless of if my feet hurt!
Tell me how people react when they see the scale and volume of what we do
They’re amazed when they come in to our warehouse and see how we run, how we how we operate, how organized we are. But then they see the product that comes in and the product that we push out, they learn about our history, where we came from…they are just amazed! They just can’t believe it. They’re happy to be part of it.
And that’s all you!
We do this! Team work makes the dream work.
What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering in our warehouse?
Do it! It is rewarding! I’ve already gotten my sister to come down a couple of times, my niece has been here, my best friend’s been here, my husband, my son has been here… I am encouraging all my friends to just try at least once. And it feels good, so try it! There’s nothing to it but to do it.
What are your interests outside of work?
I’m a big-time mom outside of work. My boys are in sports. I love just being outdoors. I’m a football mom, a soccer mom, a swim mom…I love spending time with my family, organizing dinners, events, field trips with the family. I have four boys. I take care of my nephew. He’s 19. And then my oldest is 19, middle son is 17, my youngest is 8. All boys, plus a dog and a husband. I’m the only woman in the house.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I’m almost two months in so I just look forward to seeing what this this job brings me. I’m happy to see where our future leads us.
Interested in joining us for a volunteer session? Sign-up using the link here!
