Volunteer
Community Service
FAQ for Volunteering
Volunteers are essential at all levels of food bank operations — from sorting and repackaging food to helping at fundraising events! Every year, more than 5,000 volunteers donate their time or talents to help Foodlink provide support for thousands of low-income residents. Opportunities are available for individuals and groups. Learn how to get involved below!
Community Service
Foodlink welcomes students who need to complete community service hours for school. Students are welcome during regular volunteer hours, or contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (585) 328-3380 for scheduled Community Service Days which generally coincide with scheduled school days off.
Please note: Foodlink does not accept court ordered community service.
Volunteering FAQ
What will I do when I volunteer?
Sorting sessions are the most common volunteer opportunity at the food bank. These are typically held in three-hour time slots. The majority of the food that the food bank receives needs something to be done with it: repacking bulk product to individual/family size, assembling boxes with assorted food, checking expiration dates, labeling product, gleaning products, etc. While projects are determined based on warehouse needs, all sorting sessions are spent in the warehouse.
When do you have volunteer sorting sessions?
Opportunities are available Tuesday through Saturday. Morning, afternoon and evening sessions are held throughout the week. Availability varies based on number of people in your group. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (585) 328-3380 for more detailed times.
How many people can I bring?
The Volunteer Coordinator schedules volunteers based on the needs in the warehouse as well as number of people required to complete the projects needed. The number of people in your group will affect the days and times available for you to volunteer. Typically, Foodlink can accommodate groups up to 30 people. Please note that the number of people in your group will be important to know when scheduling a date to volunteer.
What should I wear?
Volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes to work in the warehouse. Jeans and sneakers are best. No volunteers may work in skirts, tank tops or open-toed shoes.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Volunteers must be 8 years old to volunteer at Foodlink. Volunteers 16 years old and younger must have an adult chaprone.
Do I have to schedule in advance or can I just show up to volunteer?
All volunteering must be scheduled in advance. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (585) 328-3380 to schedule an appointment.
Do we need to bring anything to our volunteer session?
It is encouraged, but not mandatory, for each volunteer bring at least one nonperishable food item. Priority items include: canned vegetables, soup, stew, tuna, canned fruit, rice, beans, pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese.
Is there a place to lock up my personal belongings?
Foodlink encourages volunteers not to bring any personal belongings with them, as there are no storage options.
Do we have to attend a training session prior to volunteering?
Volunteers for sorting sessions will receive a brief orientation introducing new volunteers to Foodlink and detailed description and instructions of the project prior to your session. Some volunteer positions do require training.
Will we be required to lift heavy objects?
Volunteers are not required to do heavy lifting, but should be prepared to stand the entire time with some light lifting and bending, depending on the project.
How do I get there?
Please click here for driving and public transportation directions to Foodlink.
Is there parking available?
Yes, Foodlink has a free parking lot.
 |
