A Day in the Life of a Food Bank of Delaware Volunteer
Every day in the volunteer room is a little bit different than the day before. Volunteers could be asked to do a number of different activities. These activities are determined by the Volunteer Coordinator/Manager as well as the current and future needs of the Food Bank of Delaware. On a normal day in the volunteer room we could be making senior meal boxes, USDA boxes, helping out in the Healthy Pantry Center, creating meal bags for our Backpack Program, creating donated meal boxes, sorting through donations and more!
Before you get here, here are some short explanations of the majority of our daily volunteer activities! (Just to clarify, we do not do all of these every single day. Most volunteer shifts are 1 or 2 of these activities!)
VOLUNTEER ROOM ACTIVITIES
Food Sorting: Volunteers sort food into different food categories, check expiration dates, discard damaged product or products otherwise unfit for human consumption and check recalled items.
USDA Boxes: Volunteers will package USDA items in an assembly line. The Volunteer room is responsible for the creation and supply of USDA boxes.
Senior Meal Boxes: These boxes are designed and designated for the seniors of the State of Delaware. The boxes are lighter than the USDA boxes, making them much easier to handle. Volunteers work in an assembly line to package these boxes.
Donated Meal Boxes: We create boxes with all 10 of our donation sorting categories.
Backpack Program: Volunteers are responsible for helping put together the bags we use for our Backpack Program for children at risk of hunger over the weekend. Volunteers work in an assembly line to pack these bags.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Healthy Pantry Center: The Healthy Pantry Center (HPC) is where we provide food to our neighbors in need. This volunteer opportunity is customer service-oriented and requires an enthusiastic attitude toward helping others. Volunteers should be ready to adapt quickly to changing needs and tasks throughout their shift. Responsibilities may include greeting neighbors and welcoming them to the pantry, assisting with check-in, guiding neighbors through the pantry experience, and supporting them as they shop by filling their carts with food and products. Volunteers will also stock shelves, fridges, and freezers with food and pantry items, as well as perform light cleaning and maintain a clean, organized pantry space. Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for everyone.
Farm/Garden: Volunteers assist with a variety of tasks on the farm in Newark or garden in Milford. Volunteers help plant, weed, harvest, water and much more!
Mobile Pantry: Help distribute food out in the community at a mobile pantry distribution. Volunteers may pass out food or help with registration.
