Last updated on March 17, 2008

Volunteers will be oriented to the purpose of a food bank, and will be trained to sort donated salvage, and pack distributable items into 25 lb. boxes suitable for our provider sites. Provider sites that serve their communities are soup kitchens, pantries, and day shelters.

SAFETY:
The Maryland Food Bank warehouse is clean and bright. All volunteers must have their toes covered by tennis shoes or work boots. If not, permission to work is denied and the volunteer must reschedule.

SORTERS:
volunteers are trained to sort donated salvage, which is product that is damaged and has not gone onto the shelves in the grocery store. Sorting involves training and clear judgment as to the viability of a food item. Sorters are assisted by experienced sorters, who mentor them, ask questions, and make certain the new sorters are properly placing food chosen for distribution into the proper "sort bins."

PACKERS:
Volunteer packers work from "pre-sort." This is available to them in large bins called "sort bins." Packers must double-check each item as they are packing, to be certain no mistakes were made, either in determining that the product is suitable for distribution, or that no mistakes were made in the category designation. All of this information is covered in the training session. Packers weigh finished boxes to reach a standard minimum of 24 lbs., but not heavier than 26 lbs., tape the boxes closed, and mark them with the proper category name. All of this information is covered in the training session.

MENTORS:
Experienced sorters and packers who are willing to oversee new volunteers offer their expertise by answering questions, double-checking the category contents, helping with trash, and giving advice that comes only from experience.

All volunteers must be 12 years of age and above.

All new volunteers must experience an orientation and a training. For new groups, the training can be accomplished on the company site so that when the volunteers arrive at the Maryland Food Bank, they have a quick refresher course and are enabled to begin work quickly.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Maryland Food Bank

Volunteers will work with the following groups

Low-income / Poverty

We need volunteers who are free at these times

Evenings Weekends Weekdays

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers

Corporate Large Group (11+) Court-appointed Small Group (2-10) Individual

This volunteer opportunity addresses the following social interests

Hunger / Food

I'm interested in this opportunity

Contact Person:
Vanessa Reed, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

View all agency contacts

Address:

2200 Halethorpe Farms Road Baltimore, MD 21227 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.mdfoodbank.org

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