FOOD: Organize​/Set Up Community Market

FOOD:
Organize/Set Up a Community Market

Porchlight Community Services’ volunteers play a crucial role in setting up a grocery‑style food pantry with over 5,000 pounds of rescued food every week. Families can then choose and "shop" for the food they take home. Their Refill Pantry supports the elimination of single‑use plastic and diverts thousands of pounds of food from the landfill each year. As a "Choice pantry," these events create a dignified, healing space where clients can select nutrition with empowerment and privacy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Unload and organize incoming food deliveries swiftly.
• Arrange and categorize food stations, displaying rescued, high‑quality items.
• Organize non‑perishables: neatly stack products and label them.
• Verify inventory accuracy and expiration dates.
• Set up a designated area for participants with specific dietary needs or allergies.
• Ride along in the company van to help load and unload donations.
• Pick up items to be brought back to the pantry.

Skills &

Qualifications:

• No prior experience required.
• Able to lift bags weighing up to 35 pounds using proper lifting technique.
• Comfortable standing for the duration of the shift.

Training Provided: On‑site training is provided at the beginning of each shift.

Attire: Closed‑toe shoes are required for safety. Comfortable clothing suitable for working in and possibly getting dirty is recommended. Hair must be pulled back.

Physical Requirements: Bending, repeated lifting of up to 20 pounds, standing, and moving during most of the shift. Accommodations can be made for physical limitations (e.g., seated tasks). The project space is wheelchair accessible.

Note: Signing up as a team is disabled for this project. Volunteer numbers must be secured individually via the Hands On San Diego portal. Phone: 858‑737‑4320. Please give at least 12 hours notice if you cannot attend.

The mission of the Porchlight Cooperative is to relieve hunger, eliminate waste, and increase the self‑sufficiency of individuals.

Population served:
Families, low‑income communities, people with health‑based concerns.

Activity type:
Cleaning, collecting, sorting & packaging, event organizing, food preparation & meal services, family friendly.

Requirements:
Age minimum 12+ with an adult, minimum age 14+, court‑ordered volunteer allowed.

Schedule and directions will be provided via email upon registration. All volunteers must be registered in advance to attend.