The minimum age to volunteer for this project is 13 years old.
*Volunteers under 18 must volunteer alongside a parent/guardian or other adult chaperone each time they volunteer, regardless of age or project.*
Is Indoors & Outdoors
Best for volunteers who prefer customer service and customer interactions
Volunteer Responsibilities:
- “Shopping” our shelves to build customized grocery orders for families that come through the pantry and loading cars as they wait in the food pantry parking area
- Assisting neighbors with completing their grocery orders on their cell phones and answering questions as they come up
- Welcoming neighbors and visitors by guiding them to the appropriate location
- Bagging bulk produce or food items into family size bags
Training Provided:
- No experience required - we'll train you at the start of your first shift!
Safety Protocols:
- Closed-toe shoes required
Allergens: We handle multiple allergens in our facility and cannot guarantee any area or project is allergen free
Support:
Each project has a Project Supervisor that will be available throughout your shift. They will provide training at the start of your shift and be available to answer questions as needed. Our Volunteer Department will check in on volunteers throughout your shift as well, please let us know if you need anything. Your project may also have a Volunteer Ambassador, who is available as an additional resource to answer questions.
At the end of your shift, you'll receive a link to a quick 3-question survey. Please use this resource to provide feedback if you are not comfortable doing so in person.
Work Environment:
Our drive-thru food pantry takes place in the chute/garage area of our building. While this area is sheltered, the doors on both ends of the building are open during the food pantry hours to allow traffic to flow through.
- Exposure to car exhaust fumes in a ventilated area
- Exposure to cold or warm temperatures, depending on the weather outside
- Working in a warehouse environment, which may be noisy
- Working around moving vehicles and equipment
- Working on slippery work surfaces during rain or snow
What else do I need to know?
- This project requires repetitive lifting and bending
- Volunteers will be working indoors in our chute/garage area and outdoors in our parking lot. Volunteers may be exposed to rain, sun, hot or cold temperatures throughout the shift. Please dress for the weather.
- Volunteers should be comfortable standing and/or walking for a 3-hour shift with minimal breaks.
- This project does take place in a fast-paced, drive-thru environment with heavy traffic so it may not be right for everyone.
- Some accommodations can be made. Please let us know prior to signing up if you need accommodations so we can determine if this project is a good fit for you! If you have questions, please contact Christina Basey, Director of Volunteer Programs, at cbasey@gleaners.org.
Impact of Assignment
- Volunteers will help serve up to 1,000 households each day we're open
- Every volunteer hour = 276 meals.
Benefits to You:
- Direct Service
- Networking with other volunteers
