Can anyone volunteer at the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry?
Individuals 10 years of age and older who have no limitations preventing them from doing physical work (such as lifting, bending, carrying and stocking shelves) can apply to volunteer at the Food Pantry. For those who do not want to do physical work, there are opportunities to volunteer in other areas such as marketing, fundraising, grant writing, etc.
Do children need to be accompanied by an adult?
Yes, any child between ages of 10 and 14 years of age can volunteer, but must be accompanied by someone who is 18 years of age or older. This can be a family member, teacher, or another adult who will be responsible for that child during the time that he or she is volunteering. The designated adult will also need to submit a volunteer application and attend the mandatory training session. Children under ten may not be on the premises with you when you volunteer at the Food Pantry (for food distribution or maintenance).
Is there any necessary training needed prior to volunteering? Is so, how do I register?
Yes, all volunteers must attend an in-service training session, which are offered once per month (upcoming dates and times are listed in our Calendar of Events). The session lasts for 30-40 minutes and take place at the food pantry. Once you have completed the Volunteer Application, our Volunteer Coordinator Laura will call you to confirm your registration for the next training session and provide the date and time. For those who cannot make the scheduled training session, the Volunteer Coordinator will work with you to arrange another time for your training.
What volunteer positions are available at the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry?
There are many different volunteer opportunities, each with various time commitments, schedules and type of work:
- Food Distribution: We have six shift volunteers that work Tuesday and Thursday during the evening hours from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 12;00 p.m. These volunteers prepare the food bins that are distributed to our clients that day.
- Maintenance Crew: Volunteers come to the Food Pantry during the week to organize, stock, and remove expired donated food items. Schedules vary.
- Food Acquisition: These volunteers pick up food donations during the week at various grocery store locations and drop off these items at the Pantry.
- Other Volunteer Opportunities: Help with various committees such as Event Planning, Marketing Support, and Fundraising is always needed.
If I am not distributing food to clients, do I need have to go through training?
Yes. All volunteers need to know how our food pantry works, as well as complete necessary paperwork for our insurance and liability purposes.
How do I sign up for a volunteer position?
You can start by completing our online application. On the application, indicate what positions you are interested in and the application will be forwarded to the Coordinator for that position. You will need to attend the mandatory in-service training with any position you work. After you attend the necessary training session, you will be invited to sign up for volunteer shifts on our on-line calendar.
Am I required to work a set number of volunteer hours per month?
No, there is not a minimum (or maximum) number of hours you have to fill to volunteer at the Food Pantry, however, we feel that when you sign up to volunteer that you fulfill that responsibility or give 48 hour notice if you cannot meet your obligation. Please notify the Volunteer Coordinator either by phone or e-mail as soon as you know you are unable to fulfill your shift. Recurring absences from scheduled events or shifts without prior notification make it more difficult for the remaining volunteers.
