Give TIME.
Fighting Hunger doesn’t always start with a meal. It starts with those who serve. The David Powell Community Food Pantry volunteer opportunities range from our unloading, stocking, cleaning, and facility maintenance to client registration and client shopping assistance. Whether you’re an individual, group, or company there are many opportunities to volunteer.
Volunteer FAQ
WHAT ARE YOUR AGE REQUIREMENTS?
We welcome volunteers of all ages in our warehouse sorting and packing. Each volunteer under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult when volunteering alongside them. If you are chaperoning a group of youth volunteers, there must be a child/adult ratio of 1:5.
​
DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT TO VOLUNTEER?
Yes. We require all volunteers to be registered for any volunteer opportunities. Please utilize our online volunteer scheduling website to register as an individual or group. Here you will be able to select your preferred volunteer site and shift.
​
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Volunteers should wear close-toed shoes and clothes appropriate to work in a warehouse, kitchen or garden setting. No sandals/flip-flops, extremely short skirts/shorts or low-cut shirts. Individuals wearing opened toed shoes will not be allowed in warehouse areas.
​
WHERE DO I PARK?
Please park in any available parking slots around the building. Unless otherwise indicated parking is NOT allowed in fenced areas and in front of loading docks or entrances. Carpooling is always recommended.
​
DO I NEED TO SIGN-IN?
Yes, each volunteer individual or group needs to sign in each time they volunteer at the Food Pantry. Upon arrival please visit our volunteer lobby desk for instructions on how to sign-in.
​
WHEN I GET THERE, WHERE TO I GO?
All volunteers are asked to report to the Volunteer Center which is the entrance under the outdoor stairwell. When facing the main entrance, it will be to your left. We ask that you and/or group arrive 15 minutes prior to your shift in order to allow everyone an opportunity to sign in.
​
DOES THE DAVID POWELL COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY PROVIDE PROOF OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE?
Yes, upon request the Food Pantry will provide volunteers with a letter specifying the date of service and number of hours volunteered. Our volunteer lobby staff will also sign any school/church/community service forms after each session. For online volunteer verification (UTSA, UIW, and St. Mary’s University students) please be sure to also obtain a paper copy of your proof of service.
Families & Groups
WHEN BRINGING GROUPS OF YOUTHS, DO YOU HAVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHAPERONES?
Yes. Due to safety concerns each group is required to provide adult supervision. Please include adult attendees in your online group registration.
​
DO I NEED TO NOTIFY YOU IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR THE NUMBER OF GROUP VOLUNTEERS CHANGES?
Yes, it is important that you let us know if you cannot attend. If you cannot make your volunteer shift please notify us 24 hours prior so the Volunteer Services staff can schedule other volunteers.
​
MY CHILD HAS VOLUNTEERED WITH THE FOOD PANTRY BEFORE. DO I STILL NEED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE PARENT PERMISSION FORM?
Yes. All youth volunteers under the age of 18 will need to have a parent/legal guardian permission form on file. This form only needs to be completed once. If a youth volunteer registers for a volunteer shift, the Parent Permission Form Link will be included in the confirmation email.
Court Ordered & Probation
WHAT IS THE PANTRY’S POLICY ON VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE ASSIGNED COURT ORDERED COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS?
Individuals who receive a court order to perform community service will be accepted on a case by case basis. Individuals convicted of certain serious offenses will not be accepted to volunteer due to potential safety risks for other volunteers and staff.