Emergency Food Distribution

The Community Food Bank needs the help of volunteers to distribute shelf-stable products and fresh groceries to individuals, families, and seniors in our community! There are numerous tasks that we need help with in this opportunity.

Volunteer Shifts general dates & times:

Tuesday / Wednesday/ Friday

7:30 AM - 11:00 AM / 10:45 AM - 2:15 PM

Thursday 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM / 2:45 PM- 6:00PM

4th Saturday of the month: 8:30am -12:30pm

Lobby doors open at 7:30am. Note that distribution for clients is now 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Volunteer shift arrival is set a bit earlier to ensure folks arrive and get set-up to begin by 8:00, and the shift is extended till 1:30 in case of a large influx of clients around 1:00 PM. For any questions or concerns please email us at volunteer@communityfoodbank.org.

• This opportunity
• does not count as Court Ordered Community Service. Please click this link to for the Court Ordered Opportunity

Distribution volunteers may assist with the following tasks:

• Taking client tickets
• Loading client grocery carts with emergency bags, senior boxes, and other food items
• Help keep the flow of clients steady and appropriately distanced
• Ensure that product is stocked on the back-end (opening product, keeping area clean of cardboard and trash)
• Assisting in taking carts to client’s cars and returning the carts
• Receiving carts from clients & returning them inside the building

For a safe and fulfilling volunteer experience, volunteers must complete the Good Manufacturing Practices training found under one’s account qualifications. One should feel comfortable working inside and standing for a majority of the shift in variable temperatures, and be able to perform physical work (more below). Basic Spanish is helpful, though by no means necessary!

Dress code:

Please be aware that failure to follow the dress code may result in dismissal from volunteer activity for the day.

• Comfortable, closed-toe and closed-heel shoes
• All tops must have sleeves (no tank-tops)
• No short-shorts
• Name tags (provided at front desk upon arrival if you do not already have one)
• If you would like to wear gloves, please bring your own

Safety Requirements:

All volunteers must be aware of and uphold the safety expectations below in order to volunteer. Note: No lockers for storing personal items are available – we highly suggest leaving them in your vehicle or at home.

• Volunteers who feel sick or who have come in close contact with a sick person should NOT volunteer for at least 5 days after symptoms are gone or after close contact.
• Regularly wash/sanitize your hands before, during, and after your shift (including breaks) (hand sanitizer will be available for use)
• Volunteers agree that they feel safe and are able to perform essential tasks, including...
  • Standing for the majority of shift length
  • General ability to lift 25-50 lbs from the ground or over the head
  • Ability to bend, kneel, push, pull, and walk
• No use of cell phones, iPods, headphones, etc. while in the warehouse
• For food safety, do not chew gum or smoke while volunteering
• No food or glass is permitted in the warehouse distribution area

NOTE that, on occasion, distribution times may extend past the allotted time or end early. If it extends, due to a large volume of clients, we ask that you stay to assist completion of all clients in distribution. Thank you for your consideration and flexibility!

Parking, Entering, and Checking-In (Tuesday - Thursday):

• On Fridays and Saturdays, volunteers can park anywhere in the main lot as we do not have our food distribution on Fri/Sat!
• Both gates will be open upon arrival for volunteers and staff to park. Please park in the southern region of the main lot if possible. If it looks full, please park in the south lot, and be vigilant for truck traffic. (see below)
• As able, please reserve the central parking lot for clients
• After parking, make your way to the lobby (see below) to check in at a computer kiosk
• Any questions? Email us at volunteer@communityfoodbank.org