Position: Food Distribution Volunteer

Report To: Terry Knickerbocker

Program: Food Pantry

Schedule: Mondays thru Fridays, 8:30am-12:30pm / (4-5 Volunteers needed each day)

Location: STATION B (in the parking lot under canopies)

Role Overview: The Food Pantry Distribution Program provides food to Seniors, Homeless and Families. Assistance in this program has more than doubled (since 2019, due to COVID), as more people faced job loss, reduction in working hours and/or increased costs for food, rent and other needs.

As a Food Pantry Distribution Volunteer, you will play a vital role in supporting our mission to provide food and essential resources to individuals and families in need within our community. Volunteers are crucial in ensuring that our pantry operates smoothly and efficiently, helping to distribute fresh produce (eggs, milk, chicken & vegetables) and maintain an organized and welcoming environment for our clients.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Food Distribution:

• Assist in sorting, organizing and serving fresh produce to clients as they walk through Station B.

• Help clients select food items from the pantry according to their needs and preferences.

• Ensure that food is distributed in a respectful and non-judgmental manner.

2. Inventory Management:

• Receive, inspect, and organize food donations.

• Monitor inventory levels and inform pantry staff of any shortages or overages.

• Maintain a clean and organized storage area.

3. Client Assistance:

• Greet and assist clients in a friendly and compassionate manner.

• Provide information about additional resources or services available on campus, if needed.

4. Facility Maintenance:

• Help keep the pantry area clean and organized, including sweeping, mopping, and ensuring proper sanitation practices.

• Assist with setup and teardown for distribution events or special programs.

5. Team Collaboration:

• Work collaboratively with other volunteers and pantry staff.

• Assist food pantry staff with other food preparations duties needed for distribution (packaging, restocking etc..)

Skills and Qualifications:

• Communication: Ability to interact effectively with clients, staff, and other volunteers.

• Organizational Skills: Attention to detail in sorting and distributing food items.

• Physical Stamina: Ability to lift and carry boxes of food (up to 25 LBS) and stand for extended periods (up to 3.5 hours).

• Compassion: A genuine interest in helping those in need and providing excellent customer service.

Working Conditions:

• Please be aware this position requires outdoors activity, therefore be mindful of weather changes.

• Appropriate Attire:Please wear closed-toe shoes (not sandals, heels, flipflops). Shirts should be short or long-sleeved (no spaghetti straps, strapless, sleeveless, mid-riff showing or tank top types). Shorts/dresses/skirts should be longer in length, appropriate for comfortably bending and reaching items

• The program's food is exclusively for program participants and may not be eaten or taken by volunteers during their service.

Required:

• Age Requirements: 14 or older. You must be confirmed to participate. No walk-ins.

• Sign up to volunteer through this site.

• If you are a minor, a parent/guardian must contact the volunteer coordinator to confirm consent of participation and collaborate on pick up/drop off logistics.

• Connect with volunteer coordinator to discuss interest & next steps in onboarding process.

• Volunteers interested in committing over 40 hours a year must complete a Background Check to serve. No Exceptions.

• ID Required to confirm identification when completing onboarding volunteer paperwork

If you have any question related to this role, feel free to reach out to Estefani Gomez Pacheco, The Salvation Army Volunteer & Protecting The Mission Coordinator at [email protected] or (408)282-1165 Extension 3218

Pick a Shift!