You may optionally provide the following information. It is used only to help us get a better idea of the demographic make-up of our volunteers.

Why are you interested in volunteering with us?

Please Share skills you would like to use to serve the community (example- bilingual) or skills you would like to learn volunteering here.

Please read through the Food for People Volunteer Policies and mark "I Agree" before submitting this application.

Keep work areas clean and free of clutter, debris and obstacles at all times. Cleaning supplies are available, as needed.

Always wear a mask: We require all volunteers and staff to wear a mask at all times at Food for People, for the safety of all.

Always wash hands: Before beginning work; after eating, drinking or smoking; after using the restroom; After handling toxic or moldy/rotten food or cleaning products; After sneezing, blowing your nose or touching your hair.

Food Handling Guidelines:
• Never set food on the floor, even if it’s in a crate or box. Food must be at least 6 inches off the floor at all times. Never put wire ties, rubber bands, or plastic in the hog barrels.
• Wear gloves when handling food and get new gloves for every new task.

General Safety Guidelines:
• Do not enter restricted areas unless accompanied by a staff person. Restricted areas include the warehouse, walk-in refrigeration/freezers, offices and storage areas.
• Do not operate machinery (pallet jacks, forklifts, etc.)
• No cell phones, music players/headphones are to be used in work areas
• No horseplay allowed (running, throwing objects, yelling or shouting, riding on equipment, etc.)
• Use appropriate lifting techniques and do not lift objects you feel are too heavy.
• Leave warehouse and distribution pathways open
• Any injuries, regardless of how minor, should be reported immediately to a staff member.

Dress Code
• Wear appropriate dress apparel: work clothes, long pants, closed toe shoes, short or long sleeved shirts.
• Dress in layers, as the warehouse can vary between hot or cold.
• Do not wear ripped, dirty or potentially offensive clothing.

Fire, Earthquake and Evacuation Procedures
• In case of a fire: evacuate the building and proceed to the designated Emergency Assembly Area outdoors. Staff will provide guidance. Do not reenter the building or work area until you have been instructed to do so.
• In case of an earthquake: drop, cover, and hold on to the nearest sturdy object until the shaking stops. If you are not near a sturdy object, or against a wall where nothing can fall on you, make yourself as small as possible and cover your head and neck. Avoid windows and heavy objects that could fall or shatter. Stay under cover until the shaking stops, then leave the building when it is safe to do so. Proceed out the nearest clear exit toward the Emergency Assembly Area outdoors. Stay alert for further instructions.

Alcohol, Drug and Smoking Guidelines
• The use or possession of illegal substances on Food for People property is not permitted. Any volunteer under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs will be immediately sent home.
• Smoking is not permitted on the premises with the exception of the designated smoking area.
• Volunteers are also prohibited from working under the influence of any prescription drugs that may impair the ability to work in a safe and effective manner.

• Everyone must be treated with respect in order for Food for People to be a safe and comfortable environment for all volunteers, food recipients and staff.
• Food for People reserves the right to deny volunteer applications or terminate volunteer placements on the basis of violent or sexual crime convictions, or for providing false or misleading information.
• All volunteers are expected to demonstrate and encourage a professional and positive attitude in all job related activities. If you have questions or concerns, please talk with your supervisor.

The following are not acceptable behaviors on Food for People property or on Food for People business:
• Acts or threats of violence, including intimidation, harassment, and/or coercion
• Sexual harassment
• Inappropriate speech and language (cursing/swearing, talk of drug or alcohol use, talk of violence or jail time, etc.)
• Breeching the confidentiality of clients (refer to Confidentiality Policy)
• Attitudes, judgments, jokes and language that are discriminatory or demeaning on the basis of Race, Class, Gender, Sex, Age, Spoken language, Nationality, Culture, Religion, Physical appearance, Sexual orientation, Ability/Disability, Family/Household size (refer to Civil Rights Training packet).
• Stealing food (refer to Food Access Policy)

Political Activities Guidelines
• In all Food for People facilities and while on Food for People business, volunteers are prohibited from distributing literature about or soliciting funds for any political or religious activities.
• In any outside work on behalf of a political stance, candidate, party, or religious endorsement, volunteers may not publicly represent themselves as providing any express or implied endorsement from Food for People.
• Food for People clients must not be presented or influenced to support any religious, social, or political point of view in association with receiving food.

Food Access Guidelines
• The same food distribution sign-up procedures apply to income eligible volunteers as apply to other Food for People program participants. This can be done at the end of a volunteer shift--not during.
• Specific snacks and beverages may be available for volunteers. Please check with a staff member.
• No food can be taken from the building without supervisor approval. Any unauthorized food taken from Food for People is considered stealing and is grounds for immediate dismissal.

Attendance Guidelines
• Volunteers must follow sign-in and sign-up procedures. Please check-in with the FFP Staff member when you arrive, and sign in.
• Wear your name tag at all times while on FFP business.
• Please email or call FFP if you are not able to attend a scheduled shift.

Parking Policy
• Parking in the lot is reserved for program participants. Please make arrangements to park on the street.

Youth Consent Guidelines
• Volunteers under the age of 18 need to have a consent form signed by their legal guardian.
• Volunteers under the age of 14 require adult supervision.

• Our volunteers are community representatives of Food for People and as such, it is your responsibility to report any suspicious activity that could threaten food bank safety and security.
• Inventory security is of the utmost importance to this organization. Lost, improperly tracked, or stolen food items can put our accreditation as a food bank at risk.
• Any suspicious behavior that may interfere with proper food tracking, or behavior that is suspected to be a theft of any kind, must be reported to a staff member immediately. As with all sensitive information you share with our staff, any report of suspicious behavior will be kept anonymous whenever possible.

Policy Management Procedures
• Food for People reserves the right to terminate a volunteer position at any time if necessary to ensure the mental and physical safety of clients, volunteers, and staff.

• Providing adequate information, training and assistance to volunteers in order to meet the responsibilities of their position.
• Ensuring supervisory aid to volunteers and providing feedback on performance.
• Respecting the skills, dignity and individual needs of all volunteers.
• Being receptive of volunteer feedback regarding ways in which we might mutually better accomplish our respective tasks.
• Treating volunteers as partners, jointly responsible for carrying out our agency mission.


If you have any questions, concerns or problems with Food for People Volunteer Policies please the Volunteer and Direct Services Manager at volunteer@foodforpeople.org.