Program:
The Hand Up Food Pantry believes in helping clients reach self-sufficiency by providing a ‘hand up’ not just a hand out to clients experiencing food-insecurity. They accomplish this by connecting clients to resources in addition to providing emergency food relief to 800 families each month at distributions throughout San Diego County. The Hillcrest Food Distribution serves a multitude of clients from various backgrounds and life circumstances.
Goal of Position:
Volunteers can help assist in a critical area of need and help alleviate hunger for individuals and families throughout San Diego County. Volunteers are able to gain valuable nonprofit experience and learn about food insecurity and hunger in their local community while serving those in need. Many of these clients also lack housing and almost all are on a fixed income. We provide more than food assistance - we provide smiles as well!
Responsibilities:
- Unload box truck and set up shopping area in parking lot outdoors
- Assist Food Pantry staff in running the client check in process
- Bag produce and bread for distribution
- Distribute food to clients
- Educate clients on additional resources available to them
- Answer client questions
- Clean up parking lot and load box truck
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Must be a minimum of 10 years old (volunteering with a parent or guardian) or 15+ (volunteering on their own).
- Must be friendly, patient, and can develop and maintain good rapport with community members.
- Must provide own transportation to distribution site at Ohr Shalom synagogue.
- Ability to lift bins and boxes up to 25 pounds.
- Wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing that can get dirty (bring layers as needed).
- Must complete and sign Volunteer waiver.
Time Commitment:
- The Hillcrest distributions are from 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month
Location:
- Ohr Shalom Synagogue, 2512 Third Avenue, San Diego, 92103
- Volunteers must park on the street with limited parking
If you feel you would be unable to meet the physical demands of the opportunity, please reach out to volunteer@jfssd.org before scheduling a shift to discuss possible accommodations or alternative opportunities.
