Volunteer at the Foodbank
Volunteers are vital to Central Illinois Foodbank. Last year, over 1,000 individuals contributed over 12,500 volunteer hours to help distribute over 9 million pounds of food from our warehouse. Volunteer opportunities include:
Food Sorting – Sort, inspect and organize donated items for distribution. Must have the ability to lift 25 lbs. Opportunity hours are Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm, Wednesday 8am-7pm, and the second Saturday of each month 9am-1pm.
Clerical – Assist with office/clerical support. Hours are Monday-Friday 8am-4pm as needed.
Janitorial – Assist with general cleaning and maintenance. Hours are Monday-Friday 8am-4pm.
Warehouse – Assist with maintaining warehouse, incoming donations and picking orders, as needed. Must have the ability to lift 40 lbs. Hours are Monday-Friday 8am-4pm.
Retail Store Donation Program Drivers – Our Food Rescue program, which saves thousands of pounds of food each year, depends on dedicated volunteers. You’ll be driving one of our trucks to participating grocery stores to collect what otherwise may be thrown away. Must have the ability to lift 40 lbs. Must have valid driver’s license. A special driving classification, such as CDL, is generally not required. For more information about becoming a retail driver, email Elaina Feuerbach.
Before volunteering at the Foodbank, all potential volunteers must complete a volunteer application. Please print and complete this form.
There are three ways to return this form.
- E-mail it to: Elaina Feuerbach
- Fax it to: 217-522-6418 Attn: Elaina Feuerbach
- Mail it to: Central Illinois Foodbank c/o Elaina Feuerbach, P.O. Box 8228 Springfield, IL 62791
For more information about volunteering with Central Illinois Foodbank, contact our Community Resources Coordinator, Elaina Feuerbach at 217-522-4022 ext 224 or efeuerbach@centralilfoodbank.org.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering at Central Illinois Food Bank
Do I need to schedule in advance to volunteer?
Yes, all projects must be schedule in advanced.
Can groups volunteer together?
We welcome groups from various organizations to volunteer at the Foodbank. Our volunteer projects can accommodate groups of various sizes, however our maximum group size is 20 volunteers. The Foodbank always welcomes groups to volunteer. If your group is interested in volunteering please contact Elaina Feuerbach before filling out the group application. Click Here for Group Application
Are children allowed to volunteer at the Foodbank?
Volunteering is a great way to teach children about service. Children ages 12-15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult while volunteering. Children less than 12 years of age are not permitted to volunteer, be unsupervised in the building or under indirect supervision while an adult is volunteering.
Can I complete court-assigned community service hours?
Yes, Central Illinois Foodbank accepts volunteers completing community service however the Foodbank reserves the right to decline a volunteer due to severity of a criminal record. Community service volunteers must follow the Foodbank’s guidelines in addition to the requirements of their referring agency. If you are interested in volunteering for court ordered service hours, please print and complete the Court Ordered Service Hours form by clicking here.
What should I wear to volunteer?
The dress code is casual and comfortable. Sneakers, work shoes or boots are required. No heels, open-toed shoes or sandals are not permitted in the warehouse. The warehouse is not temperature controlled so layers are a good idea. Please leave purses, jewelry and other valuables at home or locked in your car. Central Illinois Foodbank is not responsible for any missing personal belongings.
Is the Foodbank able to accommodate the special needs of a handicapped or disabled person?
We occasionally have projects that our special needs volunteer can help with. Please call the Volunteer Coordinator for more information.
Who do I contact to volunteer at Central Illinois Foodbank?
Community Resources Coordinator, Elaina Feuerbach at 217-522-4022 ext 224 or efeuerbach@centralilfoodbank.org.