How to Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Requirements Section

Contact Volunteer
Services Staff

Warehouse
Food Sorting

Santa Clara County
Food Sorting

San Mateo County
Food Sorting

Volunteer Agreement
(PDF)

Volunteer Information
Form (PDF)

Permission Slip (PDF)

Student Volunteer
Time Card (PDF)

Volunteers are extremely important to the Food Bank and we are grateful for all your time, hard work and support in the fight against hunger. But there are a few simple rules we ask that you follow to make the most of your time. And, please remember to call volunteer services to schedule prior to coming. We want to be ready for you!

Age Limits
Attire
Warehouse Rules
Groups
Individuals
Volunteer Forms

Food Sorting Age Limits

• The minimum age is 14. Please remember that the Food Bank is a warehouse and there is always warehouse equipment in operation. We are concerned about safety for everyone!
• Youth ages 14 through 15 must be accompanied by one adult over the age of 21 for every five youth
• Volunteer groups with youth ages 16 through 17 must be accompanied by one adult over the age of 21 for every 10 youth.
• Every youth volunteer must have a current signed Permission Slip on file.

Attire
The dress code at the Food Bank is casual and comfortable.

• Warehouse - Dress warmly in the winter -- layers are suggested, as are jeans, sweatshirts, etc.
• Warehouse - Dress lightly in the summer. For safety reasons, long pants are required. For sanitary reasons, tank tops are not permitted.
• Warehouse - Comfortable, safe footwear is absolutely necessary. Sneakers, work shoes or boots are required. No heels, open-toed shoes or sandals are permitted in the warehouse.
• Please leave purses, jewelry and other valuables at home or locked in your car trunk. Necklaces and long earrings pose a safety concern in the warehouse.

Second Harvest Food Bank will not be responsible for any missing personal belongings.

Warehouse Rules

• NO EATING, DRINKING, RUNNING or SMOKING in the warehouse area.
• Food and grocery items in the warehouse are intended for needy people and member charities only. Volunteers are not to remove any products from the premises. This also applies to products which are deemed unfit and are designated for disposal.
• All volunteers should remain in the assigned work area. Please report to your group leader or Food Bank staff if you need to leave the area.
• Please remember that clean-up is part of our work. Your assistance and cooperation is appreciated.

Groups

• Group contact/leader should confirm arrival and departure times as well as the number of group members with the Food Bank's Volunteer Coordinator two to three days prior to the scheduled day.
• For groups that are regularly scheduled each week or month, please call if you cannot volunteer or want to change your schedule.
• Group leaders should feel free to print out these guidelines and distribute them as needed.

Individuals

• If you cannot make a scheduled time, please inform the Volunteer Coordinator.
• If you have a school-related service hour requirement form, please bring it with you.
• A Student Volunteer Time Card is available for your use.
• At the end of your volunteer shift, have a staff member from the Volunteer Department verify and sign your requirement form.

Volunteer Forms
Please download these forms, fill them out and bring them to the Food Bank the first day you volunteer.

• Permission Slip (pdf)
  Required for all volunteers ages 14-17.
• Volunteer Agreement (pdf)
  Please review this information prior to your arrival.
• Volunteer Information Form (pdf)
  Voluntary but appreciated; all information kept confidential
• Student Volunteer Time Card (pdf)
  Please use this form to keep track of your volunteer hours.
  
  
  

If you cannot open PDF documents, download Acrobat Reader (free).