Worthington Resource Pantry

1. Welcome to
New Volunteer
Orientation
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

2. We are more than a food pantry. We are a
resource center that educates, feeds and
comforts people who need a helping hand
during rough times. We are committed to
building a healthy Worthington. We engage our
community by serving our neighbors, and
providing them with opportunities to serve one
another.
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

3. Youth Policy
• Youth volunteers are defined as 14 to 17 years of age with the ability
to work independently on assigned tasks.
• Children or youth under the age of 14 are not allowed to volunteer
without approval of the Executive Director.
• See “Youth Policy” for full details
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

4. Required Paperwork
•Volunteer Interest Form (youth version if
applicable)
•Signed liability and photo release waivers
(on back of Volunteer Interest Form)
•Civil Rights Training verification (sign
log)
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

5. PURPOSE
• Promote the physical, intellectual, emotional,
social and spiritual health and well-being of the
community, and
• Provide, manage, and oversee nutritional,
resource, and educational services to individuals
and families in the Worthington area.
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

6. GUIDING PRINCIPALS
In serving the community, our approach is based
on education and prevention to promote the
health and well being of individuals and families.
We support individuals and families in their
goals by assisting with nutritional needs and
directing individuals to resources focusing on
employment, basic needs and self-sufficiency.
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

7. Volunteer Orientation 10/14

8. “Open Hours”
Hours of Service
• Monday
11:00am -1:00pm
• Wednesday
6:00pm - 8:00pm
• Thursday
6:00pm - 8:00pm
• Saturday
11:00am -1:00pm
Volunteer Shift Times During Open
Hours
• Monday
10:30am -1:30pm
• Wednesday
5:30pm - 8:30pm
• Thursday
5:30pm - 8:30pm
• Saturday
10:30am -1:30pm
• Note: “Pantry Support” shifts are also
available! Please ask if you are
interested in stocking the pantry.
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

9. Volunteer Roles During Open
Hours: “Front of the House”
• Greeter: manages the flow of neighbors
through the process; manages the waiting
area
• Interviewer: determines eligibility, updates
computer records
• Resource Center Counselor: train to meet with
clients for information & referrals.Volunteer Orientation 10/14

10. Volunteer Roles During Open
Hours: “Back of the House”
• Personal Shopper: assist neighbors with
shopping in the pantry
• Backroom Shopper: behind the scenes,
stocking
• Food Pantry Manager: train to run pantry
operations during open hours.
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

11. Keeping our shelves full: Be Part
of the Team
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

12. What makes a good…
Greeter, Interviewer and
Shopper
• Friendly and empathetic
• Able to multi-task
• Meet the needs of the
neighbors
• Flexible, yet able to
communicate policies, etc.
Pantry Manager
• Able to manage groups of
people
• Adaptable and flexible
• Great problem solver
• Thorough and detailed
Resource Center
• Good listener
• Objective
• Resourceful
• Patient
• Empathetic
We have 40-60
families come
through every shift.
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

13. What makes a good…
Pick-Up Volunteer
• Ability to lift 40 pounds
• Access to truck or other
vehicle with cargo capacity
(minivans are great!)
• Good communication skills
Receiver or Pantry Support
Team Member
• Adaptable and flexible
• Great problem solver
• Thorough and detailed
• Knowledge of food is a plus
• Ability to lift 40 pounds
• Takes direction well
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

14. "Thank you so much for
helping my family with
food. I have seven
children and the food
that you give here is a
blessing!"
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

15. Volunteer Roles in the Community
• Help with Fundraising Events and community
awareness opportunities
• Farmers Market: Man table for 2 or 4 hour shift to
inform community of WRP (at the Shops of
Worthington in the winter)
• Organize a Food Drive - Perfect opportunities for
schools, churches, and civic groups to participate
• Hosting a book club, scouts meeting, birthday, party at
the Pantry
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

16. Volunteer Roles Behind the Scenes
• Food Drive Helper: weigh, sort and stock large
food drives.
Do you have a special talent you would like to
share? For instance, we need graphic
designers, copywriters, web and social media
experts, IT assistants, etc. Let us know!
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

17. What happens next?
• You will be contacted by a lead person for the
area(s) you are interested in
• If it is a pantry position during open hours, you
will receive an email from our volunteer
coordinator. They will schedule you for in-
person training.
• After you are comfortable in your position,
you will be given a ‘when to help’ log in
Volunteer Orientation 10/14

18. Volunteer Orientation 10/14

19. Contact Information
Michelle Roche
Program Coordinator:
michelle@worthingtonfoodpantry.org
Main Phone: 614-985-1766
www.worthingtonresourcepantry.org
Jennifer Fralic
Executive Director
jennifer@worthingtonfoodpantry.org
Volunteer Orientation 10/14