Food Bank VolunteerAt — Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino

 Responsibilities:

Volunteers will assist in sorting donated food items. This process includes:

• Inspecting items for expiration dates and signs of damage
• Ensuring food safety and quality by properly discarding ineligible items
• Assembling banana boxes and food boxes for distribution through our Senior Mobile Pantry program
• Tasks include food sorting, creating banana boxes, and creating food boxes for our Senior Mobile Pantry. Volunteers will be trained on how to review the USDA guide and apply the information during their volunteer shifts. They will also learn about food safety and how to implement guidelines in the warehouse.

Training:

The student intern will receive training under the guidance of the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator and gain hands-on experience by shadowing experienced volunteer leads.

At the beginning of each volunteer shift, the Volunteer Services Supervisor (VSS) or the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator (VEC), and the student will meet to review assigned tasks, address any questions, and provide guidance or suggestions. This check-in will take place at the start of every shift the student attends to ensure clarity, support, and a consistent learning experience.

Learning Outcomes:

By the conclusion of the academic internship, the student will be able to:

• Understand strategies to reduce food waste
• Gain knowledge of shelf life and storage of nonperishable food items
• Demonstrate the ability to lead volunteers effectively and delegate assigned tasks

Nutritional Science:
Volunteering at a food bank offers a meaningful opportunity to deepen your understanding of the nutritional needs of diverse populations. It provides valuable insight into the types of foods typically available to individuals experiencing food insecurity and highlights the critical role a balanced diet plays in supporting overall health and well-being. This hands-on experience complements and reinforces key concepts in

Food Security and Public Health:
Food banks play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity and promoting public health. By volunteering at a food bank, you contribute to efforts aimed at ensuring that individuals and communities have access to an adequate and nutritious food supply. This connects to the broader field of public health, which encompasses various aspects of disease prevention, health promotion, and community well-being.

Ecology and Sustainability:
Food production, distribution, and waste management have significant ecological and environmental implications. Volunteering at a food bank can increase awareness of food waste, the environmental impact of food production, and the importance of sustainable practices. These topics align with the field of ecology, which studies the interactions between organisms and their environments, including human impacts on ecosystems.

While volunteering at a food bank may not directly involve studying biological concepts, it can foster a broader understanding of the social, nutritional, and environmental aspects related to food and human well-being.