Volunteer Position Title: Food Bank Volunteer

Location: CFOC– Doors of Compassion (CFOC-DOC), Ajax HUB
Reports To: Food Bank Coordinator
Time Commitment: Flexible – Minimum 4 hours per week preferred
Position Summary:
The Food Bank Volunteer plays a key role in supporting CFOC-DOC’s efforts to provide nutritious food and essential groceries to individuals and families facing food insecurity. This position involves assisting with sorting, organizing, and distributing food items to ensure that clients have access to the resources they need. Volunteers will also help maintain the food bank space to ensure it is clean, organized, and welcoming for all.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receiving and Sorting Food Donations: Help receive, sort, and categorize incoming food donations (e.g., non-perishable items, fresh produce, dairy, etc.), ensuring that they meet health and safety standards.
• Inventory Management: Track food inventory levels, helping to maintain accurate records and ensuring that food items are used in a timely manner before expiration.
• Organizing the Food Bank: Keep the food bank area tidy and well-organized, ensuring that food items are displayed clearly by category (e.g., canned goods, dry goods, produce) and are easily accessible for clients.
• Food Package Preparation: Assist with the preparation of food packages for clients, ensuring that each package includes a variety of nutritious and appropriate items based on client needs.
• Client Assistance: Greet clients with respect and dignity, helping them select food items and providing support as needed while maintaining confidentiality and a non-judgmental approach.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure all food handling and storage procedures comply with health and safety standards, including checking for expired items, proper refrigeration of perishables, and cleanliness of the food bank area.
• Food Drive Support: Assist with the organization and promotion of food drives, including sorting and packaging donated items and coordinating with other volunteers during special events.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with other volunteers and staff to ensure that food distribution runs smoothly and clients receive the support they need.
• Documentation and Reporting: Help track food donations and distributions, maintaining records as needed for inventory purposes or reporting to donors and partners.

Qualifications:

• Required:
• A strong desire to help others and make a positive impact in the community.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Friendly, respectful, and approachable demeanor when interacting with clients and fellow volunteers.
• Ability to lift and move food items, including boxes and bags, as needed.
• Understanding of confidentiality and dignity when assisting clients.
• Ability to follow health and safety guidelines in a food service or food bank environment.
• Preferred:
• Previous experience in food handling, food bank volunteer work, or customer service is an asset.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and inventory management practices.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing food insecurity or homelessness.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks at once.

Benefits of Volunteering:

• Direct Impact: Play an essential role in helping families and individuals access nutritious food during difficult times.
• Skill Development: Gain experience in food distribution, inventory management, customer service, and nonprofit operations.
• Community Connection: Be part of a compassionate, mission-driven team working together to address food insecurity in the community.
• Networking: Build valuable connections with fellow volunteers, staff, and local organizations working to create a stronger, more supportive community.
• Recognition: Be acknowledged for your contributions and dedication through volunteer appreciation events, certificates, and letters of recommendation for future opportunities.
• Flexible Commitment: Enjoy a flexible time commitment that allows you to contribute meaningfully while balancing other personal or professional commitments.