Volunteer
In response to our community demands, we have seen an increase in individual and family visits at The Market and Mobile Market program. Our weekend supplemental meal program for Arlington School District students continues to grow. We simply would not be able to provide basic and supplemental foods needs without the community’s financial support and volunteer labor.
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Volunteers are needed Monday-Friday and scheduled to provide consistent services for smooth operating standards and customer service. To continue providing an efficient and effective work environment for all volunteers and keep the warehouse safe and operational, we respectfully ask you to follow our schedule. Please do not show up unannounced to volunteer. It is important to understand if you are scheduled to volunteer, we rely on you to show up.
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Things to expect when you volunteer include: Preparation for 'Market' hours by sorting & crating foods; packing meal packs for supplemental kids' meal program with Arlington School District; being available for receiving, sorting, and crating inventory; some tasks include lifting heavy loads - up to 50 pounds; cleaning/sanitizing/organizing warehouse; assisting customers during Market hours; home deliveries - pending appropriate driving qualifications/insurance/background checks; Mobile Market support - offsite; Grocery Rescue pickup.
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We ask you to discern about your personal environment, considering what you may potentially bring to the food bank and understand what you could possibly take ‘home’ from the food bank before applying to volunteer. You should expect to come in contact with a large number of individuals. Face covers (optional), disposable gloves, hand washing facilities, hand sanitizer and cleaning agents are readily available, and recommended for your safety, regardless of changing mandates. If you have any questions you'd like answered before completing an application, please contact us at info@arlingtonfoodbank.org.
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Recommended volunteer opportunities are 3 hours in length. To apply to volunteer, complete our online application. Please read and sign/submit the Work Requirements and Civil Rights Training Checklist. Please follow-up with an email letting us know when you can start and your preferred times.
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We appreciate your willingness to serve your neighbors today to ensure they have a brighter tomorrow.
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Student Volunteers
Students, age 16 and older, are encouraged and welcome to apply to volunteer. Hours are documented for students who need volunteer hours for school or organizations in which they participate. Weekly group opportunities are available and coordinated by a local middle school teacher. To be included in our student volunteer list, complete our application and email us your preference.
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Volunteer Groups
We thrive on the support of our community, corporate and school groups. By working together, volunteers make an immediate impact on fighting hunger in our neighborhoods. If your group has a project, food drive or other unique idea on how to help us end hunger in our community-contact us at info@arlingtonfoodbank.org.
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Volunteer Hours:
Monday-Fridays 9am-12pm & 11am-2pm
Monday & Wednesday Evenings 3-6pm & 5-8pm
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Donation Suggestions:
Your monetary donations go farther and allow us to provide items on demand, fresh produce, dairy, fresh bakery items and specialty care items. In addition, we can control our inventory; expiration dates; and purchase items at a significant savings.
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Should you choose to donate, we respectfully request newly purchased items. Suggestions: Dry individual cereal cups, instant oatmeal, peanut butter (regular size jars), soup, pasta, canned chili, canned chicken, baby food/cereal/formula diapers/wipes, applesauce squeeze tubes, granola bars, toiletries (toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, feminine products). We also accept dish soap, laundry detergent and pet food.
Donations can be made at any 'Simple Gesture' participating business or at the rear of our warehouse Mondays-Fridays 9am-12pm or Monday & Wednesday evenings 4-6pm.