PEOPLE & TOOLS | VOLUNTEERS
Establish Volunteer Leadership
To build a committed volunteer base that can reliably support the food pantry’s operations and services to the community, you will need a committed pantry volunteer coordinator who will help to organize, guide, and support pantry volunteers; a dedicated pantry committee or pantry board that engages the community in volunteerism; and have supporting materials that will help to make it easier for new community members to volunteer.
Designate A Volunteer Coordinator
- Identify a volunteer coordinator or create a volunteer committee whose number one priority is to develop the volunteer program.
- Volunteers need a centralized person that they know they can go to for support, answers, scheduling, and guidance.
Board Involved Recruitment
(if you have an active board)
- Identify a Volunteer Chair who will take a key responsibility to support the volunteer coordinator to build engagement with the rest of the board and hold them accountable.
- The board must commit to consistently volunteer themselves and to support and encourage volunteer involvement in their communities
- Take part in recruiting events, volunteer orientations, and trainings.
- Attend the volunteer recognition events.
Develop Volunteer Program Materials
- A recruitment and management plan.
- Volunteer training materials
- A clear set of requirements and policies for Volunteers
- A recognition program
- A feedback program