Resource Room Assistant with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

Basic volunteer qualifications involved with this assignment

1. Assist neighbors with locating and accessing food, resources, and services available through the pantry and Resource Center.
2. Provide friendly, welcoming support to neighbors by answering questions, offering directions, and helping them navigate the pantry and available resources.
3. Support pantry staff and volunteers with general resource room operations, including maintaining an organized, clean, and welcoming environment.

Volunteers should be friendly, dependable, respectful, and comfortable interacting with individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Previous experience working with the public, in a food pantry, social service setting, or community organization is helpful but not required. Volunteers should be willing to learn about pantry operations and available community resources and be able to work effectively as part of a team.

Who will be served by this assignment? This assignment will primarily serve neighbors accessing the Foodbank's pantry and Resource Center for food assistance and connections to additional community resources. Volunteers may interact with individuals and families of varying ages, backgrounds, and needs and should approach each interaction with respect, compassion, and a neighbor-centered mindset.

What is the anticipated benefit of this volunteer service to those receiving the service? The volunteer will help create a welcoming and supportive pantry experience while making it easier for neighbors to access food and connect with additional resources. By providing individualized assistance and helping neighbors navigate the pantry and Resource Center, the volunteer will allow staff to focus on overall pantry operations while increasing the level of support available to neighbors.

What specific skills will the volunteer need? Include any requirements for lifting, standing, or other physical requirements. Volunteers should have strong interpersonal and communication skills, be comfortable speaking with and assisting members of the public, and demonstrate patience, professionalism, and good judgment. The ability to listen, answer basic questions, provide clear directions, and work cooperatively with staff and other volunteers is important. This position requires the ability to stand and walk for short periods, move throughout the pantry and Resource Center. Additionally, comfort using technology such as laptops is encouraged Volunteers should be able to bend, reach, and perform light physical tasks associated with maintaining the resource room environment.

Number of volunteers needed

3-5

When can volunteers participate?

Weekdays (daytime)