volunteers: the heart of the foodbank

We are very grateful for your interest in volunteering with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey Southern Branch. Without the assistance and support of volunteers like you we would not be able to address the hunger problems faced in Southern New Jersey. Your time, effort and hard work mean a great deal to the families who struggle to put food on the table each week.

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey provides a meaningful volunteer experience in a positive, safe environment that is perfect for individuals, families, and groups of almost any size. Our various projects offer fun and unique ways for our volunteers to contribute their time, talent and resources. Thank you for your desire to aid us in our mission to fight hunger by engaging, educating and empowering our community.

Download the Volunteer Form Here!

Volunteering with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Southern Branch

Volunteers provide the vital fuel that keeps the FoodBank going - more than 6,000 people contribute thousands of hours of service each year. Job opportunities are plentiful!

stock shelves
do office work
pick up donations
sort and repack boxes
offer professional or trade skills
organize or participate in special fund raising projects
water, weed or harvest our community garden

If you are interested in volunteering at the Southern Branch facilities please contact our volunteer department to schedule a volunteer interview and to discuss possible short and long term opportunities.

Volunteer hours are flexible:
Individuals	Groups (up to 10, except for special projects)
Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm	Saturdays, 8am - 12pm

Community Assistance Pantry Volunteering

Volunteer Positions
There are a variety of positions available for volunteering at CAP. An individual often will function in several of these areas depending on their wishes. A volunteer application must be completed and a minimum of training/orientation is required with each position. Bilingual volunteers are especially appreciated.

Volunteer Opportunities

Warehouse: Helpers sort, arrange, label and move food product and household goods for distribution. This may include re-packing or labeling to identify correct ingredients. Volunteers also clean cans, tape boxes and inspect the donated items.

Custodial: Maintain the cleanliness of our 27,000 sq foot warehouse. We need dedicated individuals who are willing to sweep, clean and mop. Duties include housekeeping functions from recycling to taking out the garbage; to cleaning the storage bays, offices and rest rooms.

Receptionist: Provides a pleasant and cheerful first impression of the Community Foodbank while efficiently answering and transferring calls. Receives and documents donations, which includes some physical lifting. Responsible for awareness of information needed to answer questions from callers.

Receptionist hours: 8am-4:30pm. Saturdays: 8am to 12 noon.

Pantry: Our emergency food assistance pantry serves 2,000+ families in need per month. Volunteers bag/box groceries, stock shelves, sort food, assist clients, load groceries, and stock bread in the bread room.

Coat Room: Help to sort and stock donated coats, linens and related items. Area is open to the public from 10-4 Monday – Friday.

Clerical/Mailings: Help with mailings by folding, stuffing, sealing and labeling various direct mail projects throughout the year.

Scheduling
We ask that all volunteers schedule their volunteer time with the volunteer coordinator.

volunteer requirements

Parking
There is limited parking available in the FoodBank lot.

Avoid loading zones located at the back of the lot.
Our parking lot is unmonitored, so we suggest that you do not bring valuables and that you lock your vehicle.

Attire

Please dress comfortably for you volunteer activity. Layers are recommended
Wear sturdy shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Open-toed shoes, flip-flops, high heel shoes and sandals are not permitted.
Excessive jewelry such as long necklaces, bracelets, large rings pose a safety hazard and are not allowed.
Use of electronic devices is not permitted.

Drug Free Workplace

There is a “zero-tolerance policy” which strictly forbids the manufacture, possession, sale or use of any controlled substance by volunteers or staff while on our property or while engaged in any FoodBank activity off-property, or while representing the FoodBank in any capacity.

Smoking, Eating and Drinking

Smoking is not permitted inside the FoodBank.
There are designated areas outside for smokers.
Please use receptacles when discarding any used smoking materials.
Eating is discouraged in the FoodBank common areas.
Please eat and drink only in the break area

Group Volunteers

Please schedule your activities at least one week in advance.
The group leader should confirm arrival and departure times and the number of volunteers in the group 2 to 3 days prior to the event.
Please note that the group supervisors are expected to remain with the group at all times.

General Conduct

As a volunteer, you are asked to conduct yourself with courtesy and respect for others, our facilities and equipment and especially our clients.
Please stay at your assigned work area and notify a staff member if you need to leave it.

For safety reasons, refrain from running, playing or roughhousing.