🍎 Onsite Food Distribution & Pantry Volunteer (Ward 8, SE DC)

Impactful Community Support Opportunity

🛠️ Role Summary Are you looking for a hands-on way to serve the DC community and help build a sanctuary for those in need? We are seeking energetic and empathetic Onsite Food Distribution Partners to join our team.

We operate in a "Farmers Market" style, ensuring that every neighbor who visits a JJ Center site is met with dignity, choice, and a warm smile. You will be part of a specialized team working to bridge the gap between food surplus and community hunger.

💻 Training & Onboarding To ensure you feel confident and prepared, all new volunteers must complete our virtual 3-day onboarding training (one session per week) before beginning onsite service. This allows you to meet our leadership and learn our systems before your first day in the park.

Key Volunteer Teams & Responsibilities When you join us, you will support one of three vital functions:

• Intake & Check-In: Help manage the flow of the pantry to prevent overcrowding. You will ensure we account for everyone we serve, helping us quantify our impact on food apartheid and identify how we can best support our neighbors.
• Distribution: Work specifically with the "market" setup and food distribution, ensuring every neighbor is served with dignity and has access to high-quality produce and goods.
• Advocacy & Support: Serve as the bridge for neighbors who need more than just food. You will gather information for those facing housing instability or other crises and connect them directly with our leadership (COO/CEO) for deeper support.

Current Service Windows We are looking for partners who are available for at least one of these recurring times:

• Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (periodically)
• Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM (weekly)

Qualifications & Requirements

• People-First Heart: A warm, non-judgmental attitude and a passion for radical inclusion.
• Physical Activity: Ability to stand for the duration of a shift and safely lift/maneuver boxes weighing 20–30 lbs.
• Reliability: Neighbors count on us; we need partners who show up ready to serve.
• Tech-Ready: Willingness to use Slack for team check-ins (Training provided!).

Why Volunteer With Us?

At The JJ Center, we don’t just "give out food"—we build a sanctuary. You will see the immediate, tangible impact of your work as you help D.C. families move toward an abundant life. We provide a supportive team culture, clear communication via Slack, and a mission that values your spirit as much as your service.