At Food for Others, our perfect summer is always the same: fresh produce, community events, and amazing volunteers!
For many of our community members, volunteering is a huge part of their summer for many reasons. From giving back to their community to finding connections with others, our volunteers help us push our mission forward as hunger never goes on holiday.
Because of the never-ending need for supporting our neighbors, we’re always on the lookout for new faces to join the Food for Others volunteer team. Some of our most in-demand volunteers are for the Market Lead and Client Intake volunteer positions.
Client Intake volunteers are stationed right at our My Market and greet clients coming in to receive food. Using Salesforce, Client Intake volunteers take down information given by our neighbors and typically guide new clients through their food options.
On the other side of My Market, our Market Leads are stationed at the Market Warehouse. Specifically for volunteers that have already worked with us before, Market Leads control the flow of clients into the pantry area, collect client tickets as they leave the market, and enter the weight of food distributed into the Food for Others computer system.
Not sure if you’re ready to volunteer yet? Take a look at a volunteer’s perspective and why she chose to help her community through Food for Others:
Meet Naomi.
Naomi first came to Food for Others as a volunteer in early 2024 after being recommended by a friend who regularly volunteered here. While she was active in her church community, Naomi did not usually volunteer with local organizations but decided to give Food for Others a try.
That decision quickly gave Naomi a new routine as a Client Intake volunteer.
Today, Naomi frequently helps at the front of My Market to guide neighbors toward receiving support with the help of the rest of the Client Intake team.
“It’s just lovely working with Cal, Camila, and Axcelyn” Naomi says. “They’re so warm and welcoming to their clients.”
Before joining FFO as a volunteer, Naomi worked in government and developed a strong understanding of community programs and services. She now brings that experience to her volunteer role, helping guide new clients through available programs and finding solutions to challenges they may encounter along the way.
“Getting people food is the main thing,” she says. “People by and large are happy to have a way to get food…And it’s great to help people to get food”
What began with a friend’s recommendation has come full circle. Today, Naomi is the one encouraging others to volunteer at Food for Others.
“If you’re looking to volunteer, this is the place.”
Looking to volunteer this summer? Visit our volunteer page for more information.