The Volunteer Policy of the Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) outlined below exists for the benefit of our volunteers to ensure that your time here is as safe and productive as possible. By agreeing to the Policy you become a responsible MFBN team member joined in our mission to eliminate hunger in Montana. Please read the Volunteer Policy in its entirety and sign the Volunteer Agreement and Release from Liability at the end.
GROUP SIZE
MFBN welcomes groups to sign up to volunteer. The standard group size of about 4 people can easily be accommodated with our repack needs. The maximum group size MFBN can handle is 6 volunteers at one time. If your group exceeds 30 volunteers, Food Bank staff will work with you to find the best solution for both volunteers and Warehouse supervisors.
SUPERVISION
One adult supervisor is required for every 10 volunteers less than 16 years of age. Special needs volunteers require one (1) adult supervisor with decision-making skills for two (2) volunteers – no age limit. Supervisors MUST work alongside their people. Food Bank staff ratio depends on the maturity and experience of each individual group.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Volunteers MUST be at least 16 years of age in order to offer their individual services without adult supervision. No one under the age of 12 is permitted to volunteer in the warehouse. Other volunteer duties for younger volunteers include special event helpers, mailing projects, or other activities. The minimum age for volunteers is 8 years old.
WEAR THE PROPER CLOTHING
Warehouse staff and volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes. It is important to remember that the warehouse stays a little warm in the summer and a little cool in the winter, so please dress accordingly. Warehouse volunteers should wear clothes appropriate for lifting, squatting, reaching, and carrying a product.
ENTER THE WAREHOUSE ONLY THROUGH THE OFFICE
Because of the forklifts and other machinery in the warehouse, it is important that volunteers enter the warehouse through the office doors. Once you are in the warehouse please be observant of the warehouse staff operating heavy equipment by letting them know you are there. Wave your hand or say hello. Be sure to make a point to let the warehouse staff know where you are.
USE PROPER LIFTING TECHNIQUES
SAFETY FIRST! Warehouse volunteers must be able to lift 25-50 lbs. Save your back by using proper lifting techniques. Also, do not try to lift anything that might be too heavy for you. Please ask for assistance from a staff member or another volunteer if you need help lifting or moving a heavy object.
CLIMBING ON EQUIPMENT IS PROHIBITED
Do not attempt to climb on equipment, machinery, racks, pallet stacks, etc. Ask a staff member or a “machine certified” volunteer to move palettes when needed.
ANTI-THEFT STATEMENT
The Montana Food Bank Network has zero-tolerance for theft and if a volunteer is found to be stealing they will be dismissed immediately and potentially prosecuted. Theft is “taking anything not given to me directly by the Montana Food Bank Network’s executive director or staff.”
REMEMBER TO RECORD YOUR VOLUNTEER TIME
It is very important for each volunteer to be responsible for recording their volunteer instances in the sign-in book. Many of the grants that the Network applies for require accurate statistics on volunteer participation. The sign-in book is located across from the front desk. When arriving for the day, simply record your name, volunteer type (warehouse, office, community service, food drive, etc.), and arrival time, and when you leave for the day, record your departure time.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT IN
Please advise the Volunteer Coordinator if you are not able to make it in for your scheduled volunteer time for any reason. This process allows time for the Volunteer Coordinator to try to fill your spot and relieves our worries when a dedicated Volunteer doesn’t arrive.
*Please also inform the Volunteer Coordinator if your group has grown so we can plan accordingly*
ALCOHOL, NARCOTICS, AND WEAPONS ARE PROHIBITED
The Montana Food Bank Network prohibits the manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, possessing, or using controlled substances in the workplace and while on duty. Any volunteer that arrives on the premise under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall be sent home. Weapons of any kind are prohibited from being brought, carried, used, or concealed on the premises.
HARASSMENT STATEMENT
In compliance with Federal and State laws, it is the policy of the Montana Food Bank Network to prohibit sexual and other harassment by any staff or volunteer. Harassment creates a hostile working environment and will not be tolerated. Any person who feels they have been subject to harassment should report the alleged act immediately to the Volunteer Coordinator.
SAFETY POLICY
To protect the safety of our volunteers and our food supply, we ask all volunteers to please comply with the following policies.
- Volunteers must be healthy! Anyone showing signs of illness will not be allowed to volunteer. Anyone who has had a fever, vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea, jaundice, or skin lesions with pus in the last 48 hours may not volunteer.
- No open-toed shoes or sandals allowed while volunteering in the warehouse. Closed-toed shoes are required. MFBN does not provide footwear and individuals will not be allowed in the warehouse to volunteer until proper footwear is obtained.
- Volunteers must be clean and hygienic. Clothes must be clean and not torn.
- Running and horseplay are not allowed in the warehouse.
- All children must be attended by adults. Please be aware that adult chaperones are responsible for the supervision of children. If MFBN staff feels there is not adequate supervision of children, volunteers may be asked to leave.
- Anyone displaying behaviors that are of concern to the MFBN staff may be asked to leave the premises.
Food, drinks, gum, and personal effects are not allowed in the warehouse. MFBN staff will advise about where these items may be used or stored.