00:00Los volunteers are the heart of the Central Texas Food Bank, inspecting, sorting, and ensuring that only the safest products
00:05make it out of our warehouse and into the hands of Central Texans in need.
00:10As a volunteer, you'll be joined by many individuals and groups, working together to accomplish the greater goal.
00:16And since each individual shift lasts three hours, it's important for everyone to stay for the entire shift.
00:22For your safety, we ask that you dress comfortably in closed-toed shoes and shirts with sleeves.
00:27Since we rely on our volunteers' critical thinking skills and diligence to make sure only the safest products are distributed
00:34to our clients,
00:35your shift will begin with a mandatory orientation, during which our staff will demonstrate proper food sorting techniques and educate
00:42you on food regulations and inspection requirements.
00:46Once you start your shift, there's a lot to be done in a short time, and there may be as
00:50many as 120 volunteers just like you, working together.
00:53You'll experience a product recovery room that is a noisy, fast-paced environment with moving machinery.
01:00For everyone's safety, please be aware of your surroundings at all times.
01:04Other jobs require lifting boxes that weigh up to 70 pounds and transporting them several feet to be inspected or
01:09stacked on pallets.
01:10You may also be asked to operate a pallet jack.
01:13Some volunteers will be asked to break down boxes using a utility knife.
01:17Others will be asked to manage trash.
01:19That means walking through a busy operating warehouse filled with moving forklifts.
01:24Being alert is essential for everyone's safety.
01:26When boxes are stacked on pallets and ready for storage, volunteers wrap the pallets with stretch wrap.
01:32This can be noisy and may prove physically challenging for some.
01:35After orientation, we have one staff person available for one-on-one support during each project.
01:41Because of our limited resources, we rely on volunteers who are capable of carrying out the food bank's mission safely
01:47with discretion and care for themselves, their fellow volunteers, and our clients.
01:51One adult chaperone is required for every five volunteers under 18 and for groups with special requirements.
01:58If you let us know one week prior to your scheduled volunteership, we may be able to make accommodations for
02:03volunteers who have difficulty performing certain tasks.
02:06With a week's notice, we may be able to suggest other volunteer opportunities that are better suited for your group.
02:12Thank you for choosing the Central Texas Food Bank as your way to make a difference in our community.
02:16Together, we can help end hunger in Central Texas.
