TOUCH 2019 Volunteer Tasks Outlined
Food Rescue Drivers–ongoing
Assisting in food rescue operations, which may include: picking up rescued food at stores and restaurants, transporting rescued food to the TOUCH office, weighing in and stocking freezer/refrigerator shelves. Transporting food within pantry, downhill to basement storage, and storing recovered food in refrigerator and freezers. Assisting to sort, stock, and discard food in bins.
- Good physical condition
- Ability to lift boxes of up to 50 lbs repeatedly
- Driver’s license
- Volunteer uses own vehicle.
- Averages about an hour a week.
Food Rescue Sorters
Transporting food within pantry, downhill to basement storage, and storing recovered food in refrigerator and freezers. Assisting to sort, stock, and discard food in bins, or store for redistribution to other area feeding programs.
- Good physical condition
- Ability to lift boxes of up to 50 lbs repeatedly
Monthly Farm Truck Distribution–fourth Tuesday of the month/1st Wednesday of the month
Year-round we receive a tractor-trailer full of recovered farm-fresh produce from farms upstate. Assist in signing in participating pantries, counting boxes, and clearing away pallets and debris from the distribution lot. Following the distribution, assist in unloading and storing items at the TOUCH food bank.
Research–ongoing
Independently research articles, studies, and news to support creation of website and social media content and in obtaining grant funding. We can tailor areas of research to volunteers’ areas of expertise and interest.
Areas of research can include:
- Grants/funding using online sources, Foundation Center database, and more.
- Diet, Health, & Nutrition
- Public Policy/Public Health/Environmental Health
- Food Waste
- Hunger
Volunteer Intake Coordinator
Handle volunteer inquiries and intake. Flexible schedule and location. Responsibilities include: respond to forwarded inquiries, handle intake paperwork, give office tour or orientation, and do pre-screen interviews. Schedule volunteers or connect potential volunteer with appropriate staffer to follow up and schedule.
Social Media
We welcome applications from all full-time college students. Office and proficiency in social media applications (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). A high school diploma, GED, or comparable work experience is required. We seek persons with strong analytical, critical thinking skills, and communication and interpersonal skills. TOUCH-NY is interested in interns who have experience and capabilities in one or more of the following areas:
- Creating graphics for social media, website, newsletters, and email campaigns
- Graphic design, flyers, PowerPoint templates, and other conference/outreach materials
- Designing E-newsletter templates utilizing e-mail marketing software like Constant Contact
- Building social media footprints
- Social media maintenance
- Create brand identities across print and digital platforms
- Coordinate video content development and production
- Organize and maintain photo, video, and media archives
- Help maintain and update websites
- Assist in executing communication activities on site
Document Shredding–ongoing
Destroy confidential records about to be discarded. Safely operate shredding machine. Recycle materials in recycling bin. Work independently but suitable for teenagers.
Food Pantry–ongoing
Tasks may include but are not limited to:
- Pack and label delivery bags.
- Make calls to take orders for our homebound chronically ill members.
- Minimum age of 16
In-Home Food Bag Delivery to Shut-Ins–ongoing
Help us deliver bags of healthy food to shut-ins with chronic illness. Requires access to your own vehicle, ability to lift 25 lbs, and background check for ongoing volunteers.