Volunteer with the FoodDepot - Group Activity

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:

Product: 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:

New Safety Committee: We’ve formed a safety committee dedicated to regularly
monitoring and improving our safety practices. This team is working to create an environment that is as safe as possible for all of us.

OSHA 10 Training: More of our foodbankers are undergoing OSHA 10 safety training to ensure that we are meeting the highest safety standards.

5-S Implementation: We are implementing the 5-S methodology to enhance organization and cleanliness in our spaces, further reducing the risk of accidents.
https:/ /www.epa.gov/sustainability/lean-thinking-and-methods-5s

Next Steps: A Collective Effort
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