Without the help of our volunteers, the Free Food Market could not happen. For each Free Food Market, we need between 35 and 50 volunteers to help with set up, food distribution, and take-down/clean up.
Sign Up to Volunteer
After you have read through our volunteer information below, you can sign up for upcoming Free Food Market volunteer positions using our WeJoinIn sign up sheets.
February 14, 2022
March 14, 2022
April 11, 2022
Tell Us What You Think
We would love to know what you thought of your volunteer experience. What impacted you the most? What could we do better? Your comments and suggestions are always welcome to inspire, improve the volunteer experience or better impact our Free Food Market guests. Use this form to share your Free Food Market Volunteer Experience.
Free Food Market Volunteer Tasks
| Time |
Number of Volunteers |
Tasks
|
|---|
| 8:00 - 9:00am |
2 |
Set-Up & Food Packaging: Setup and sanitize food distribution tables, organize, sort, and (if needed) package food for distribution.
Requires lifting up to 20 pounds to move boxes of packaged food.
|
| 9:00 - 11:00am |
4 |
Food Distribution: Monitor food distribution table, answer patron questions about food items on your table, ensure patrons take only permitted quantity.
Requires standing and exposure to weather conditions.
|
| 10:30 - 11:30am |
2 |
Clean-Up: Assist with breaking down and stacking cardboard boxes. Removing and stacking tables for pick up as they empty out. Help pantry staff move leftover food to the PS+U food Pantry and Basic Needs Hub.
Requires lifting and carrying tables and/or wooden palettes (individually or in pairs) up to 15 lbs. and pushing loaded wheeled carts up to 60 lbs.
|
Volunteer Expectations
- Arrive for your shift on-time and sign in at the Volunteer Table (located in the Shattuck Hall Patio facing the PSU Park Blocks).
- Maintain confidentiality of patrons attending Free Food Market. You may encounter people from the community that you know or have access to records of the people receiving food assistance. It is the policy of this organization that all information about clients is strictly confidential and stays within the 'walls' of the pantry. Also, any information or knowledge you may have about a client’s life or situation is not to be brought to the attention of other volunteers at the pantry. Oregon Food Bank provides a Confidentiality Agreement that all volunteers need to sign.
- Volunteers must wear a name tag displaying their first name.
- Always check the weather report. Layering is the best way to approach this outside work; be prepared for the most extreme weather, but also be ready to take off layers.
Staying dry from the rain is important. Volunteers are working with their hands and are not able to hold umbrellas. Please come prepared for rain, sun, wind, or other weather conditions.
- Whenever possible, eat a good meal before signing in to your volunteer shift, especially if your volunteer duties require you to do physical activity or standing in the sun for extended periods of time.
- Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated!
Food Handling and Safety Expectations
- Volunteers handling food must wear gloves at all times. Gloves are provided at the check-in table.
- Food and all boxes must stay off the ground by at least 6 inches, this includes food that is in cardboard boxes.
- Be aware that OFB may do unannounced drop-ins to make sure we are compliant with proper food handling measures.
- Because we don't know what kinds of produce and dry-goods we're getting, and whether it is going to come pre-packaged or not, we don't have a good idea of how much prep-work is needed until the food arrives. It could be that there is a ton of work for everyone and we are rushing to the very last second to get it all ready OR there is not a lot of work needed and we have excess staff.
Volunteer Safety Precautions
At the volunteer table, volunteers can access disposable rain ponchos, work gloves, hand/foot warmers, and sunscreen, and hand sanitizer if needed.
The safety of our volunteers and patrons is the highest priority at Free Food Market. There is a First-Aid kit on hand for mild injuries or to stabilize an injury until further medical attention is acquired.
If a more serious incident occurs (not life-threatening), the injured volunteer will be taken to the Center for Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) at 1880 SW 6th Avenue for first aid and assessment; a referral to Urgent Care or the Emergency Department may be necessary, or 911 will be called for life-threatening injuries or illness.
PSU Campus Public Safety provides an emergency number to request assistance with incidents of disorder, danger, or serious concern:
(503) 725-4404 (emergencies)
(503)725-4407 (non-emergencies)