Volunteer:
Volunteer FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I want to volunteer at a soup kitchen or serve food for the holidays. Where can I go?
A: Contact a CAFB Partner Agency to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Q: What is Product Recovery?
A: Volunteering in Product Recovery gives you an inside look at the Food Bank’s work, as you evaluate donated products to determine what is safe for distribution. "Recovered" items are then sorted, boxed and made available for distribution to Partner Agencies and their clients.
Q: What do volunteers do?
A: Typically, Food Bank volunteers start out in the Product Recovery area ensuring that donated food is sorted, cleaned, packed and ready for our Partner Agencies.
Q: What are your volunteer hours?
A: Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. – Noon and 1 - 4 p.m. Thursday night 5 - 8 p.m. and 6 - 9 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. – Noon and 1 - 4 p.m.
Q: Can children volunteer at the Food Bank?
A: Volunteering is a great way to teach children about community service. The Food Bank has projects for children as young as 8 years old.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Please wear sneakers or work boots, long shorts or pants, and a t-shirt. Open-toed shoes are not allowed.
Q: Do I need to schedule in advance or can I just show up?
A: All projects must be scheduled in advance. Once you are scheduled, you will receive a project confirmation including what you will be doing, directions to the Food Bank and a list of helpful hints and safety rules.
Q: Can I bring a group?
A: We welcome service groups, office teams, schools, alumni groups, families and religious organizations. Our volunteer projects can accommodate groups of various sizes and can provide team building opportunities. Groups must schedule one month in advance.
Q: Do adults need to accompany children/youth?
A: One adult chaperone (over the age of 21) is required for every five children under the age of 18.
Q: Can I complete court-assigned community service hours?
A: Yes. You must attend a Thursday-evening required orientation prior to volunteering.
Q: Can I come for just an hour or two?
A: Our projects are designed for specific time periods, so we ask that volunteers commit to the entire shift. For that reason, it’s also very important you arrive on time.
Q: Is the Food Bank able to accommodate the special needs of disabled volunteers?
A: We work on a situation-by-situation basis. Please call our Volunteer Services Coordinator at 512-282-2111 to inquire about your needs.
Q: Where are you located?
A: 8201 South Congress, between William Cannon Drive and Slaughter Lane. Click here for directions/map.
Q: Is there parking?
A: Yes, there is plenty of parking, but we also encourage you to carpool when possible.
For additional questions and information:
Kirra Hamman
Volunteer Services Coordinator
512.282.2111 X116
khamman@austinfoodbank.org
NEW! In the Loop: CAFB's quarterly volunteer e-newsletter.
Learn about special volunteer opportunities, fun trivia, pictures, quotes and more.
Sign up to receive In the Loop
View the Fall 2007 issue.
