Volunteer Requirements
REQUIREMENTS
In order to volunteer at MANNA FoodBank, we require you to attend a volunteer orientation as well as fill out this Volunteer Application form below.
Once you have done so, we can proceed with volunteering!
Process for Volunteering
If you are volunteering as an individual:
Step 1: Fill out the volunteer application here
Step 2: Within the application you have the opportunity to sign up for a volunteer orientation. This is REQUIRED for new volunteers before you can be put on the schedule.
Step 3: Attend the volunteer orientation that you have registered for. You will be receiving a
confirmation and reminder email for the orientation. It will be held in MANNA’s Main building
(627 Swannanoa River Rd) in Laurel’s Kitchen.
Step 4: Once you have attended the orientation, contact our volunteer coordinator with your interest and availability and then you will be added to the volunteer schedule. This step will be explained in detail at the orientation.
If you are volunteering as a group
Contact Chelsea Franklin at 828-299-3663 or cfranklin@mannafoodbank.org.
If you are looking to complete Community Service (this includes any required hours i.e work, school, court, etc):
It is essential that that you coordinate your hours in a timely fashion as to allow time to complete the orientation process. You will not be able to schedule hours until this process is complete. It is our mission to help build leadership in our volunteers. Therefore, we require the individual who will be completing the hours to be the individual who completes the required orientation as well as the individual who contacts our volunteer coordinator to schedule hours.
Step 1: Fill out the volunteer application
Step 2: Within the application you have the opportunity to sign up for a volunteer orientation. This is required before you can be put on the schedule to receive hours.
Step 3: Attend the volunteer orientation that you have registered for. You will be receiving a
confirmation and reminder email for the orientation. It will be held in MANNA’s Main building
(627 Swannanoa River Rd) in Laurel’s Kitchen.
Step 4: Once you have attended the orientation, contact our volunteer coordinator
and then you will be added to the volunteer schedule.
Returning Volunteers
If you have volunteered with MANNA before and are wanting to set up more volunteer hours, then contact Chelsea Franklin at 828-299-3663 or cfranklin@mannafoodbank.org..
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!
Food Sorting Age Limits
We have worked with volunteers from age 5 to 95. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied with an adult over the age of 18. Please remember that the FoodBank is a warehouse and there is always warehouse equipment in operation. We are concerned about safety for everyone!
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. Dress lightly in the summer. It gets HOT! 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. MANNA FoodBank 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 agencies 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.
