QUESTIONS&ANSWERS

Oregon Food Bank (OFB) is dedicated to eliminate hunger and its root causes. This non-profit organization has currently served 18 independent regional food banks and operates 2 food distribution centers, which located in Portland and Hillsboro. OFB collects food from farms, government sources, manufactures, wholesalers, retailers and individuals and hand out directly to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other programs helping low-income individuals in Multnomah, Clackamas, Clark and Washington counties.

WE NEED YOU TO HELP FIGHT HUNGER!

Q: What are some volunteer project does Oregon Food Bank (OFB) have?

A: There are a lot of volunteer opportunities available for you:

+ VOLUNTEER ACTION CENTER: Volunteer repack bulk food, sort canned food, label packages and help on other projects. Long-term commitment isn't required. Portland: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Hillsboro schedule varies.

+ PERISHABLES REPACK ROOM: If you have your mornings and afternoon free then you can help us receive and repack the products from local grocery stores for quick distribution. Shifts are 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Available at Portland location only.

+ LEARNING GARDENS: Weekday, evening and weekend shifts are available for gardening enthusiasts and beginners alike, who are interested in growing nutritious food and learning how to take harvest to the table.

+NUTRITION EDUCATION: Volunteer chefs and classroom assistants are needed to demonstrate the cooking and nutrition education classes to low-income individuals to help them make the most of their food resources. The program requires shifts during the days and in the evenings.

+LEADERSHIP ROLES: New leadership opportunities for volunteers at all the available projects at OFB.

+ SPEAKERS' BUREAU: We need your voice to speak out for the invisible problem of hunger and about OFB. OFB will provide required training and volunteers need to make a six-month commitment to the program.

+ OFFICE AND SPECIAL PROJECTS: OFB always needs help with general office work and special projects. Eventually, we ask volunteers to establish a somewhat regular schedule (i.e., every Monday morning) and shift will depend on your availability.

+ SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS: OFB conducts a variety of special events each year. Volunteers help OFB plan and execute food drive, music festival and other fund-raisers.

+ FOOD TRANSPORTATION: OFB needs some volunteers to transport food in their own vehicles to and from the warehouse. Also, volunteers help to pick up food from vendors, box it and load it onto OFB trucks.

+ ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH: Volunteers help with projects aimed at improving food security and reducing the need for emergency food in the community.

Q: I am interested, who can I contact to volunteer?

A: Raven Camara OFB-WC Volunteer Coordinator at (503) 430-6510 ext 209 with any questions or to schedule a time to volunteer.

Q: How old can I be to volunteer?

A: There is no required ages; however, due to your safety regulaltions, children must be 12 years or older to participate the project in food sorting.

Q: Can we volunteer as a group together?

A: Groups are more than welcome at FOB for Group Food Sorting on Tuesdays 1-3p.m., or Fridays 1-4 p.m. Saturdays can be arranged by appointment. Please call to make prior arrangement to prevent crowded shifts! Thanks!!!

For more information, click HERE, to go to the OFB's site.