What to Expect as a Food Share Volunteer
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring community members have access to food assistance. When farmers, food producers, and grocery stores donate huge quantities of food, volunteers like you sort and repack items into family-sized portions for distribution at Food Share program sites, congregate meal sites, and through our network of partner pantries across Marion and Polk counties.
When can I volunteer?
Most of our programs operate during regular business hours and majority of volunteer shifts take place during the Food Share's regular business hours, including some evening and weekend shifts.
What should I wear?
Important information for participants to know in advance:
- For food safety and general safety requirements, volunteers must wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes, shirts with sleeves (long or short sleeves are fine – no tank tops).
- We also ask that volunteers remove all removeable jewelry and watches to keep the food we are repacking safe for our neighbors. (Flat ring bands are fine but any ring that could tear through a vinyl glove should be removed). Participants can leave personal items in the breakroom lockers or reserved meeting room.
- Some projects may require volunteers to wear hair nets, aprons, gloves (provided by the Food Share).
If you arrive to volunteer without proper attire, you may not be able to participate in the planned volunteer activity.
Do I need to bring anything when I volunteer?
We'll provide all the equipment necessary for a successful volunteer project, from food safety gear to garden tools. There are glasses for water on-site, but you are welcome to bring a water bottle.
What if I have allergies?
The Food Share sometimes processes items containing common food allergens, and we are unable to provide advance details about the items we are working with on a given day. Projects can change at the last minute due to food availability and the needs of our partner agencies. Please let us know when you arrive if you have acute allergies and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
What if I need to cancel my shift?
While we count on our volunteers to help provide healthy food for our neighbors, we understand that circumstances change and canceling is sometimes necessary. If you are unable to make your shift, please contact the Food Share's main office at 503-581-3855. You can also reach the Volunteer Coordinator at .
Who Can Volunteer?
Can children volunteer?
Yes! Age restrictions vary depending on the volunteer opportunity.
Warehouse shifts (Includes the Volunteer Action Center and Retail Recovery): Youth under 16 must be accompanied by a chaperone that is at least 18 years old.
Food Pantries: Many food pantries welcome youth volunteers. When connecting with a food pantry, please indicate if you are under 18 or plan to volunteer as a group with youth.
Can I complete community service for a school requirement or project?
Yes. Please let staff know that you are volunteering to meet a requirement and of any expectations of Food Share staff, including hours tracking, evaluations, etc.
Are you able to provide reasonable accommodations for volunteers with disabilities?
We do our best to make our volunteer opportunities accessible to everyone. Please email or call in advance so our staff can work with you to ensure a successful and positive experience.
If you or a member of your group will be accompanied by a certified/registered service animal, we require advance notice so that we may provide you with meaningful volunteer experience while meeting state and federal food and safety regulations. Please email our Volunteer Coordinator or call (503)581-3855 in advance of your scheduled volunteer shift.
Can I bring a school group or club?
Yes. If this is your school or club's first-time volunteering, please submit a group volunteer application.
If there are specific topics that you would like Food Share staff to discuss as part of the volunteer shift, please let us know in advance.
How many people can be in a group?
At this time, we can accommodate groups with up to 20 individuals. If you have a larger group, please contact the volunteer team at .
Knowing how many volunteers to anticipate will allow our team to effectively plan meaningful projects. Please email the volunteer coordinator if your group number changes.
What is provided during a volunteer shift?
Water is available in our break room. We also provide lockers and locks for volunteers to store bags and any other valuables. The Food Share does not take responsibility for any lost or stolen items.
