FOOD: Organize/Set Up a Community Market

Porchlight Community Services' volunteers play a crucial role in setting up a grocery-style food pantry with over 5,000 pounds of rescued food every week. Later in the day, families can choose and "shop" for the food they take home. Their Refill Pantry supports the elimination of single use plastic and they divert thousands of pounds of food from going to the landfill yearly. As a "Choice pantry," these events provide a healing space, offering clients a dignified place to choose food products. Your commitment to this cause ensures a positive and empowering experience for those seeking nutritious food.
 
Tasks include:

• Unloading and organizing incoming food deliveries swiftly.

• Arranging food stations:

  • Categorize and display the rescued, high-quality food items.

  • Ensure clear signage for easy navigation.

  • Organizing non-perishables: Neatly stack products and label.

  • Verify inventory accuracy and expiration dates.

• Noting special dietary needs: Set up a designated area for participants with specific dietary needs or allergies.

• Helping dehydrate food

• Juicing produce

• Gardening

• Riding along in the company van to help load and unload food donations

• Making occasional trips to their storage unit for organization

• Picking up items to be brought back to the pantry

Volunteers contribute significantly to reducing food waste, promoting food justice, and empowering individuals with choices. Join in crafting a positive experience from the moment participants arrive!

Project Requirements & Important Notes

• Attire: Closed-toe shoes are required for safety. Comfortable clothing to work in and possibly get dirty. Hair pulled back.

• Physical Requirements:  Bending, ability to repeatedly lift 20 pounds. You'll be standing and moving during most of your shift. Accommodations can be made for physical limitations such as sitting down during shift to perform tasks. The project space is wheelchair accessible.

• ​Note: Signing up as a team has been disabled for this project. Last minute team cancellations for a shift this small have been extremely detrimental to Porchlight being able to distribute food to families in need so only individual sign up is allowed and groups cannot be accommodated during this shift. Volunteers must be fully signed up through HandsOn San Diego to attend. Please give AT LEAST 12 hours notice if you cannot attend. 
  
  You must download the HandsOn Connect app to your smart device to electronically sign the waiver and check in at this volunteer opportunity. The HandsOn Connect App can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play. Volunteers that do not sign in will automatically be marked as not attending at midnight the day of their shift.