Program:
The Hand Up Food Pantry believes in helping clients reach self-sufficiency by providing a ‘hand up’, not just a handout, to clients experiencing food insecurity. They accomplish this by connecting clients to community resources in addition to providing emergency food relief at distribution sites throughout San Diego County. The Chabad Downtown Food Distribution serves a multitude of clients from various backgrounds and life circumstances.
Goal of Position:
Volunteers can help alleviate hunger for individuals and families throughout San Diego County. Volunteers gain valuable nonprofit experience and learn about food insecurity and hunger in their local community while serving those in need. Many of the people served also lack housing and almost all are on a fixed income. We provide more than food assistance - we provide smiles as well!
Responsibilities:
- Set up shopping area in parking lot outdoors. We operate rain or shine so bring an umbrella if it’s raining!
- Bag produce and bread for distribution (if needed).
- Distribute food to clients.
- Answer client questions.
- Help re-pack truck and clean up shopping area at end of shift.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Volunteers can be 10 years old (volunteering with a parent or guardian) or 15 years old and older (volunteering independently).
- Please contact Betty Munoz at bettym@jfssd.org to schedule children ages 10-14 so she can ensure that the child and guardian are scheduled together.
- Be friendly, and patient, and maintain good rapport with community members.
- Provide own transportation to distribution site at Chabad Downtown. Only metered and/or street parking is available.
- Ability to lift bins and boxes up to 25 pounds preferred (accommodations can be made).
- Wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing that can get dirty (bring layers as needed).
- Must complete and sign Volunteer waiver.
Time Commitment:
- The Chabad Downtown distributions are from 9:00-10:00am each Friday (certain holidays excepted). Volunteers should arrive at 8:30 and the shift concludes at 10:30.
Location:
- Chabad Downtown, 275 Island Avenue, San Diego 92101
*If driving to this location, volunteers must park on street or metered parking spaces.
