Mobile Pantry at Chinatown Branch YMCA

Feed the need in our city by joining us at a Mobile Pantry distribution at one of Food Bank's emergency response partners. Our Mobile Pantries follow a client choice-style pantry model, where clients can select groceries that are the best fit for their families, focusing on fresh produce and shelf-stable items. Join us for the day to help us to distribute food to 200-300 community members! Locations are throughout the city in the neighborhoods that Food Bank is prioritizing to infuse with fresh produce and healthy food options.

Tasks during the shift may include:

• Assisting Food Bank staff and community partners with setting up and breaking down distribution space.
• Managing the line and conducting intake for all the clients onsite.
• Engaging with community members while providing a client choice distribution of fresh produce and shelf-stable items.
• Breaking down boxes throughout the distribution.

Things to consider:

• We will not have onsite storage available, so we recommend traveling light and leaving valuables at home. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle. We ask that volunteers stand for the shift and are comfortable with moderate lifting.
• If you are bilingual, please let us know onsite!
• We ask that you are flexible as the positions may vary or change based on the demand of distribution for the day.
• If you are interested in volunteering with a group, please email volunteer@foodbanknyc.org to coordinate!
• All volunteers must agree to our Volunteer Waiver and Photo Release Waiver to participate.

Dress Code:

• Volunteers must present a neat appearance and dress according to the volunteer shift's requirements.
• We ask that volunteers do not wear revealing attire such as muscle shirts, crop tops, "short shorts" or see-through clothing.
• Sturdy, closed-toe, closed-heel shoes are required for safety. Ballet flats, loafers, sandals, flip flops, Crocs, and high heels are not allowed.
• This opportunity will take place outdoors, rain or shine. Please be sure to dress in weather-appropriate attire and footwear. Our staff reserves the right to turn away or reassign volunteers not dressed appropriately for their shift.

Age Requirements:

• Volunteers must be at least 10 years old to participate.
• All volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian.
• All volunteers under the age of 18 must have our Volunteer Waiver and Photo Release Waiver complete by a parent/legal guardian in advance of their volunteer shift.
• All volunteers under the age of 18 should contact volunteer@foodbanknyc.org at least 3 business days in advance of their first shift to confirm they have met our chaperone and waiver requirements.
• Please note that our capacity to accommodate youth volunteers is subject to availability.