Let's spend a few hours as a group sorting and packing at the Food Depot warehouse in Santa Fe.
Our previous times volunteering at the warehouse has been so much fun so lets do it again!
IMPORTANT: This is one of the few events we really need to have a good understanding of headcount a few days before the event date so we can notify the FoodDepot of how many volunteers we will bring!
PLEASE make sure to update your status as the FoodDepot counts on us to make a difference!
Please read below key info about The Food Depot Volunteer Program as well as info about Safety.
Volunteers at The Food Depot warehouse primarily evaluate the quality of donated food and repack food purchased in bulk into smaller packages.
Qualifications:
- Ability to complete the shift of 2.5 hrs.
- Ability and willingness to work as part of a team
- Ability and willingness to accept guidance and instructions from staff
Please no open toe or slip shoes.
Hairnets and gloves are provided. You can wear a hat
You will be required to sign a liability waiver release.
Hope to see you there!
IMPORTANT info from the Food Depot about Safety:
What do I wear?
We will be repacking food, so please dress comfortably. Closed toed shoes are required. We will provide gloves and hairnets. If you want to bring your own hat to wear, you will not need to wear a hairnet. You will be standing the whole time so please dress comfortably.
Food and Drinks in volunteer spaces: No open food or drinks are allowed in volunteer spaces. Snack breaks can be taken in the lobby. We welcome the use of reusable water bottles and have a bottle refilling station. There will be coffee and snacks at our warehouse for volunteers.
- Gather your belongings after a shift:
Store personal items on the coat rack or in cubbies below or designated areas provided by The Food Depot. Please do not plan to bring in bulky coats, purses, or expensive items.
- Clean your workspace:
Tidy up your station and properly dispose of any trash. Sweep and wipe down tables after every shift. Ask a staff member where items are located during the shift.
Safety: We ask you not climb or operate any heavy equipment such as pallet jacks and forklifts. When pallet jacks are being used in volunteer spaces we will ask you to leave the room for your safety and others around you. Please do not walk in front or around a pallet jack when a staff member is using it. When safety tape is pulled out from the wall we ask you not to cross and enter into our warehouse.
Volunteer Safety Update – All In This Together
Dear Volunteers,
Our mission is stronger when we all stay safe. At The Food Depot, we are united by our shared goal of building healthy, hunger-free communities in Northern New Mexico, and each of you plays an essential role in making this a reality. That's why we want to take a
moment to focus on something that impacts us all: safety.
Safety isn’t just a priority; it’s the foundation that allows us to continue our work effectively and sustainably. We must care for ourselves and each other to ensure we can keep making a difference in our community. Without a safe environment, we risk not only the health and
well-being of our team but the long-term ability to serve those in need.
Top 3 Volunteer Safety Directives
To help us stay safe and avoid preventable accidents, we’re focusing on these Top 3 Safety Directives for our volunteer community:
No volunteers in the room when pallets are being moved.
Moving pallets can be dangerous, so only authorized personnel should handle them. Please make sure to stay clear of pallet-moving activities at all times.
No picking up a pallet. Ask staff to assist.
Pallets are heavy and require special equipment to move safely. If you need to move one, please ask a staff member for assistance.
No going into the warehouse without a staff escort.
For your safety, volunteers should never enter the warehouse area without a staff member present. There are potential hazards in this space that are better managed with proper guidance.
Why It Matters: Safety Incidents and Impact
You may have heard about some close calls with staff and volunteers recently, and it’s important that we address these. Even small incidents can have significant ripple effects on our organization.
One such incident involved a volunteer who tripped and broke a bone. While our primary focus was on their recovery, the financial impact was also significant. Our liability insurance increased by 85% for the year, highlighting how even small accidents can result
in long-term consequences. Every time we face a safety incident, the organization incurs increased risks and costs.This is why it's so crucial to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols. By committing to
safety, we not only protect ourselves, but we also safeguard the future of our mission. Let’s continue learning from past experiences to avoid repeating them and ensure that we
remain a safe, strong community for years to come.
New Safety Initiatives: Your Involvement Matters
We’re excited to announce several new initiatives to improve our safety protocols, and we need your help to make them successful:
We’re all in this together. The safety of each volunteer, staff member, and the organization as a whole depends on our collective commitment to following safety procedures. By
staying alert, respecting the safety rules, and supporting each other, we can create a sustainable and safe environment where everyone can thrive.
If you have any questions or suggestions about our safety protocols, or if you're interested in getting involved with the safety committee or other initiatives, don't hesitate to reach
out. We’ll also be meeting with Scott to review additional safety measures, so stay tuned for further updates.
Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment. Let’s keep our
community safe and strong!
Stay safe,
The Food Depot Volunteer Team
