Volunteer To Help The FTFB
Who Volunteers?
Franklin Township Food Bank volunteers come from all walks of life. They consist of retired men and women, high school students, college and other secondary school students, part-time workers, currently unemployed people receiving public assistance, and a variety of other circumstances.
Most of our volunteers come to us as individuals. At the present time we have about 50 devoted volunteers helping in our mission. Others come to us on a group or team basis. Such groups usually come from local houses of worship, our local schools, or from local businesses.
Wherever you come from, we appreciate your help in our mission. Without dedicated volunteers such as you, our food bank could not operate. We all have a common desire to help in the fight against hunger!
Back to top of page
Becoming A Volunteer
Because of safety concerns and coordination issues for our staff, it is REQUIRED that any persons wishing to volunteer on Saturdays call the FTFB (732-246-0009) to ask about opportunities by the Thursday prior. Anyone who arrives without calling ahead may be turned away at the discretion of the FTFB staff member supervising that Saturday's operations.
Persons of high school age or older wishing to volunteer their services should contact the Food Bank during office hours. You will be required to complete a Volunteer Application Form and return it to the Food Bank office. The range of days and times volunteers work at our food bank are as follows:
- Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM
- Saturday mornings, 10:00 AM until Noon
- Schedules for certain Special Projects can be arranged
Nature of Tasks
The tasks volunteers perform are varied, and all are necessary. Volunteer tasks include the following:
- Make food pick-ups at food pick-up points and places of food purchases.
- Unload and store food pick-ups and deliveries.
- Stock shelves, pack and store client food bags/packages.
- Distribute food packages to clients visiting our food bank.
- Enter client visit data into our computer and receipt log.
- Assist in client/donor record-keeping and related administrative tasks.
- Assist in preparing periodic mailings of newsletters or solicitation requests.
- Assist in food bank cleaning, repair and maintenance.
- Assist with any other matters necessary to carry out our food bank mission.
Back to top of page
Special Skills Needed
Most of the tasks necessary to operate our food bank are things that any reasonably able and willing person can do without special skills. Some tasks, however, require special skills or special knowledge that are costly to purchase; so we are thankful for people who volunteer to help with such matters on a continuing or periodic basis. Such special skills include:
- Typing
- Bookkeeping
- Electrical and plumbing work
- Mechanical work
Other Volunteer Needs
- On-call substitutes for food distribution to clients: These persons must be able to lift 10 to 15 lb. food packages for our clients. These volunteers are needed between noon and 3:00 PM, one afternoon per week.
- Volunteer drivers: These persons would drive the Food Bank's van to pick-up food donations from various local locations.