Posted by Staff Sgt. Matthew Ramelb | California National GuardMay 26, 2020
LOS ANGELES – Sixty Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force 224 of the California Army National Guard began trading on April 19 in support of the Guelph Regional Food Bank. They were activated to support the food bank as an increased demand for meals was coupled with a decrease in volunteer numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By May 15, less than four weeks after the soldiers arrived, the food bank had built over 250,000 emergency food kits. That milestone represented over 5 million pounds of food being distributed to those in need across Guelph County. “Before the pandemic, we were only producing about a million pounds a month,” said Scott Newton, director of operations at the food bank. “We made about £ 5.8 million in the last month. That is almost six times the amount in the same amount of time that we are used to. “Newton compared the performance of normal volunteers to the productivity of the Cal Guard to explain the increase in production.” The typical volunteer is episodic, comes in and volunteers for an episode, “Newton said. “They train for 10 minutes, get the hang of it after a while, but shortly after we have to start all over with someone who is brand new.” Newton described the Cal Guard as a dedicated team paying attention to details in the kit process, which relates to building emergency food kits. He said they adjusted quickly and proactively anticipated when bottlenecks would arise to ensure production never stopped. U.S. Army Master Sgt. Alberto Borjas, who served as the first sergeant in the 756th Transportation Company, 746th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, attributed the productivity of his soldiers to teamwork. Said Borjas. “That way, the soldiers wouldn’t have to leave their stations.” The daily goal is to build 10,000 kits, and the National Guard has exceeded that number. “We developed a streamlined, well-oiled machine by moving people around to do tasks that are more tailored to their strengths,” said Borjas. “Someone with small hands can’t pick up four cans at the same time. It’s not efficient so we’re putting the right people in the right places. “Newton said soldier production numbers are much higher than expected because they are different from typical workers.” Typical workers enjoy their free time, take every minute off, tend to start slowly and want to get home on time or a little earlier go, ”Newton said. “They start with the Guard, they never stop, and their breaks are very short.” On the morning of May 20, a month after the National Guard arrived, the Guelph Regional Food Bank had built 289,110 emergency food kits. It continues to produce four to five times more kits than any other food bank in the region. For more news from the National GuardNational Guard FacebookNational Guard TwitterHow the National Guard helps National Guard photosLatest from the CDCU.S. Answer House CDC white answer
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