Here are some of the most common volunteer questions.
If you don’t find the information you’re looking for on this page, please email volunteer@opencupboard.org or call 651-413-2685.
How do I fill out a volunteer application?
You can fill out an application through our volunteer platform, Volunteer Hub at https://opencupboard.volunteerhub.com/vv2/
How do I sign up to volunteer?
After you submit your volunteer application, to sign up for a shift, just log into Volunteer Hub.
You can see a step-by-step guide for how to sign up here.
When signing up for a volunteer shift, be sure to check the shift title for important information about where you are signing up. The shift title will contain the information on what you will be doing, as well as the address, so make sure to check out the location and job information in the title.
What is the difference between signing up for Drive-Up versus Today’s Harvest?
Our Drive-Up program occurs twice a week. Customers use their vehicles to pick up pre-bagged food. If you sign up for a Drive-Up shift, you could be bagging food, helping in the backroom or loading food into people’s cars.
Our Today’s Harvests are indoor shopping markets. Shoppers are able to pick out their own food. If you sign up for a Today’s Harvest shift, you could be helping clients in the market, restocking food, or sorting through our food rescue.
Is there a volunteer orientation?
Yes, there is an optional volunteer orientation for new volunteers. During the orientation, new volunteers will receive a tour, learn about all of Open Cupboard’s programs, and get an overview of the most common volunteer roles. We will also cover some of the basics of volunteering at the food shelf.
You will need to complete an application before you can sign up for our orientation. You can complete the application here. To sign up for the orientation, log into Volunteer Hub (our volunteer platform) and look for a shift called “Volunteer Orientation.”
All volunteers are asked to watch a short orientation video which you can find here.
What are each position’s responsibilities?
We offer a variety of positions for both Drive-Up and Today’s Harvest. Please note that these are not the full list of responsibilities of each shift, but are designed to show what is generally expected.
Backroom Help: helps pack/sort meat and bread, empties trash, and breaks down cardboard. Does require heavy lifting.
Drive-Up Assistant: helps load food into cars, assists with our Choice Rack
Drive-Up Intake: asks each client our intake questions. If you are interested in learning Intake, please contact volunteer@opencupboard.org
Drive-Up Sorting and Packing Generalist: helps sort/pack produce and deli bags for our Drive-Up service, may help sort produce for Today’s Harvest
Today’s Harvest Market Prep: helps set up the market before clients arrive, sorts through produce, deli, dairy, meat, and bakery
Today’s Harvest Market Restocking: helps restock the market while it is open, restocks fridges, produce tables, freezers, and bakery sections
Today’s Harvest Market Shopping Assistant: helps clients shop through the store and aids in the checkout process, explains how Today’s Harvest works
How long do volunteer shifts last?
Most shifts last 2 to 2 1/2 hours. You will be able to take a break if you need to.
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
You must be age 15 or older (with parent permission if you are under 18) to volunteer at Open Cupboard.
What are the physical requirements?
Most volunteer shifts require you to be on your feet on a concrete floor for at least two hours. You should be able to lift 20-25 pounds.
If you have any limitations but are still interested in volunteering, contact volunteer@opencupboard.org and we can find a volunteer role that works for you.
How often do I need to volunteer?
We ask all volunteers to commit to volunteering at least twice a month or more.
Volunteering at Open Cupboard involves some training, and sometimes it can take a day or so for volunteers to become completely comfortable with the process. Also, the process may change, so volunteering more often helps you stay up to date on how things work.
What should I wear when I volunteer?
All volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes for safety. You should dress comfortably for your shift in clothes that you can move around in. You can find our complete dress code here.
If you have signed up for our Drive-Up service, you will be outside so please dress accordingly!
Do you have one-time or group volunteer opportunities available?
We have volunteer opportunities for groups of 8 people or less.
Your group would work together to stock, restock, and run our Today’s Harvest market. We also occasionally have opportunities for groups to volunteer together on special projects or at our mobile food shelf events.
Find more information on group volunteering here.
Do you accept court-ordered volunteers?
We do not allow volunteers who have committed violent, sexual, or theft-related offenses in the past or for current court ordered service to volunteer. Others will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
You can fill out an application through our volunteer platform, Volunteer Hub at https://opencupboard.volunteerhub.com/vv2/. Please check the box indicating that you are completing court ordered community service in the application and complete the form with details regarding required service hours.
Failure to notify us of your court-ordered service hours will result in 0 hours reported, regardless of how many hours you have volunteered.
If you have any questions, please reach out to volunteer@opencupboard.org.