Register to volunteer

Shift Sign Up

All volunteers must sign up for a shift through our online calendar found at foodbankiowa.org/get-involved/volunteer/. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Group Reservations

Groups of five or more who would like to volunteer together should complete our volunteer group registration form: foodbankiowa.org/volunteer/volunteer-group-registration/.

Age Requirements

The minimum age for volunteers is 10. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Youth volunteer safety ratio requires one adult volunteer for every five volunteers under age 18. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have our digital youth waiver acknowledged by a parent or legal guardian.

Physical Requirements

All volunteers must be able to stand, move, bend and lift in a warehouse environment during the entire two- to three-hour shift. They also need to be able to lift a minimum of 10 pounds, read printed dates on packaging, and safely use a box cutter, packing tape dispenser and other packing tools as needed.

Prepare to volunteer

Attire

Closed-toe shoes are required. Volunteers without the proper attire will not be allowed to work inside the volunteer center. Volunteers are encouraged to dress comfortably and in layers as temperatures in the volunteer center may vary.

Personal Items

Lockers are provided to store all personal items. Food and beverages (including water) are not allowed in the volunteer center. Cell phones are allowed for taking photos. Volunteers who must take a phone call are asked to step into the lobby to do so.

Parking

Volunteer parking is available anywhere in the Food Bank of Iowa parking lot.

Arrival

Enter through the door marked “Volunteer Center” no more than 15 minutes before your scheduled shift.

Late Arrivals/Cancellations

Each shift includes a welcome, training, time to work on the project, and a wrap-up including a report on how much was accomplished. Late arrivals and early departures not only affect the full volunteer experience, but also diminish productivity. Volunteers should plan to stay for the entire shift. Those unable to participate during the entire scheduled shift should log in to cancel ahead of time.

Health Notifications

Volunteers who are ill on the day of a scheduled shift should reschedule for another day.

Severe Weather Cancellations

Volunteer shifts may be cancelled due to severe weather. Volunteers will be notified by phone at least one hour prior to their scheduled shift.

Volunteer conduct and safety

Harassment

Food Bank of Iowa policy prohibits harassment in any form. If you observe or experience harassment, notify a volunteer coordinator immediately.

Smoking Policy

Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, is prohibited on Food Bank of Iowa’s premises and in all Food Bank of Iowa vehicles.

Hygiene

Volunteers must thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after using restrooms, and whenever hands become contaminated.

Conduct

Per food safety and distribution center guidelines, we ask that volunteers:

  • Remain in their assigned project work areas throughout the shift.
  • Refrain from eating or drinking in the volunteer center.
  • Handle all food donations with care. Do not throw or toss cans or other food items.
  • Do not run or ride/stand on the pallet jacks.
  • Do not take anything from the volunteer center, even food or household items that need to be discarded. If you need food assistance, please tell a Food Bank of Iowa staff member.
Safety

No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted on Food Bank of Iowa premises.