Volunteers are the heart of the pantry

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Get to know our Volunteer Coordinator: Kathy Rodriguez

Phone Number: 845-618-5373

Email: krodriguez@sloatsburgfoodpantry.org

If you are new to the pantry, Kathy should be the first person you look for when volunteering!

At SFP, we rely primarily on volunteers to help us accomplish our mission. Without you, we could not support our client families in a welcoming, safe environment. We are grateful every day that you have chosen us as the organization where you will give your time. Please see below for more information on the roles and how to get involved.

Volunteered Previously?

Please use the link below to access our SignUpGenius.

Please note that if you have not volunteered with us before, the SignUpGenius will not work for you. Please see the new volunteer form below!


Volunteer Roles

We ask all volunteers to please be mindful of our client’s cultural differences, language limitations and mental, physical and emotional needs. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where all individuals are welcome, seen, heard and empowered to make their own decisions.

We ask that you register so that we can ensure coverage for each event. We provide a schedule monthly, so you can plan to attend ahead of time. Use the link to the SignUpGenius to sign up and to cancel.

We ask that volunteers are high school students or above. If you are not yet in high school, but would like to help our mission, please consider holding a food drive or raising money to benefit our cause.

If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, please complete the Volunteer Application on this page and someone will contact you directly.

Unload Truck & Stock Pantry

This team helps unload, unpack and stock nonperishable, frozen and other items. It is a physical volunteer activity.

If you are interested in volunteering as a team building exercise, this is the role for you. Please contact Kathy directly to schedule.

Pantry Set-up

Our pantry set-up team helps to prepare for the upcoming day. Members will restock shelves, refrigeration, setup tables and chairs. New produce or perishable items may also need to be brought in and stored. This is a short-term role, but essential in setting up for the day.

Floater

Assist wherever needed during the shift. During busy times, we typically need extra help in the Pantry or with carry out.

Client Check-in & Welcoming

THIS ROLE REQUIRES SEPARATE TRAINING

Our Check-in team is the first role greeting our incoming clients. The team members log each client family into our computer system, assist new clients with initial paperwork and, if requested, book an upcoming appointment for the client.

If you are interested, please note that in your Volunteer Application, or contact Kathy directly.

Manage Pantry Flow

This volunteer opportunity assists with greeting our clients after check-in and ensuring they have a colored band representing their family size. You will provide bags to the client if they need and monitor the flow of clients and carts to avoid overcrowding.

In Pantry Help

Our in Pantry Help team provide assistance as our clients shop. You will offer assistance with food items, guiding clients through the Pantry and helping them to understand our food cards.

Volunteers with a welcoming and patient disposition are desired as we have clients from many different cultures and language differences can be challenging. An interest in nutrition is a bonus for our families.

Stock Shelves

When we are open, we require a volunteer to monitor and restock shelves and refrigeration throughout the day.

This is a physically active role, requiring lifting items of 10-20 pounds (or more). For example, you may need to move cases of canned goods or crates of milk. We have carts to assist with this work as needed.

Carry Out

After our clients complete their visit, we have volunteers standing by with wagons to move their packages from the Pantry to their cars. This position requires a volunteer to lift somewhat heavy packages and is needed regardless of the weather. ALL volunteers will work in pairs for this position.


New Volunteer Application

Before you apply, please read the role descriptions above to familiarize yourself with the tasks we may ask of you and ensure that you will be comfortable. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete & submit the Application below. Someone will contact you within a week. We ask that volunteers are high school students or above. 

  • If you are a high school student, please be aware it may take up to 7 days for your application to be processed. Please plan accordingly if you have a deadline to submit your community service hours.

For more ideas, email Kathy (kathyr@sloatsburgfoodpantry.org) or call 845-618-5373.