Volunteering at the Food Bank of Central New York (Food Bank Of Cny) offers incredibly fulfilling opportunities to directly impact your community. Our volunteers are the backbone of our operations, playing a vital role in our daily mission to alleviate hunger across Central New York. Whether you’re assisting in our warehouse, contributing in our office, or engaging directly in community outreach, your time and dedication make a significant difference.
Diverse Volunteer Roles at the Food Bank of CNY
The Food Bank of CNY provides a variety of volunteer roles to match different interests and skills. Here are some key areas where your help is needed:
Grocery Rescue Assistant
Join our Grocery Rescue team and help prevent food waste while providing essential resources to those in need. As a Grocery Rescue Assistant, you will assist in collecting donations from local grocery stores and food retailers. This crucial role ensures that perfectly good food, which might otherwise be discarded, is redirected to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Food Packing and Sorting Assistant
A core function of the Food Bank of CNY is efficient food distribution. As a Food Packing/Sorting Assistant, you’ll be instrumental in sorting donated food items and packing them into boxes for distribution to our network of food pantries and meal programs. This hands-on role allows you to directly contribute to the flow of food reaching those who need it most.
School Bag Packing Assistant
Childhood hunger is a serious concern, and the Food Bank of CNY is committed to supporting students in need. As a School Bag Packing Assistant, you will help assemble bags of nutritious food for children within the Syracuse City School District. These bags provide vital weekend meals, ensuring that students have access to food even when school is not in session.
Special Event Volunteer
Throughout the year, the Food Bank of CNY hosts and participates in various special events to raise awareness and funds. Special Event Volunteers are essential in making these events successful. Roles can range from assisting with event setup and registration to providing support during fundraising activities. This is a great opportunity to get involved in community events while supporting the Food Bank’s mission.
Mobile Food Pantry Assistant
Bringing food directly to communities with limited access is the aim of our Mobile Food Pantry program. As a Mobile Food Pantry Assistant, you will be on the front lines of food distribution, helping to distribute food directly to individuals and families in need at designated locations. This role offers a direct and impactful way to connect with and support your neighbors.
Volunteer Requirements and Important Information
To ensure a safe and productive environment, there are a few guidelines for volunteering at the Food Bank of CNY:
- Volunteers may need to lift boxes weighing up to 30 lbs.
- Good organizational skills are beneficial in many roles.
- The minimum age to volunteer is 14 years old.
- Volunteers aged 14-17 must be accompanied by a volunteering parent or guardian.
- For Mobile Food Pantry assistance, the minimum age is 16.
- Comfortable clothing is recommended, and closed-toe shoes are mandatory for warehouse work.
For comprehensive information, please refer to our Volunteer Handbook: HERE
USDA Civil Rights Training is also required and can be accessed: HERE
Ready to Make a Difference? Volunteer Today!
Are you ready to dedicate your time and energy to fighting hunger in Central New York? Volunteering at the Food Bank of CNY is a powerful way to give back to your community and directly help those in need.
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Are you part of a group looking to volunteer together? Fill out our group request form:
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For any questions or for more detailed information about volunteering, please contact Sara Tucker, Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected] or call (315) 437-1899 ext. 223.
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