Become a Food Pantry Volunteer

If you are interested in helping limited-resource individuals and families in Marion County, we invite you to become a Food Pantry Project volunteer. Our program volunteers provide monthly food demonstrations at food pantries throughout Marion and Polk counties. Volunteers are also needed to help prepare and pack the boxes for the pantries and for training other volunteers. No experience is needed.

                     Tonja and Jan H demonstrate how to prepare Skillet Granola

Training is provided for prospective and experienced Food Pantry Project volunteers by OSU Extension Marion County faculty, as well as Women Ending Hunger and Marion-Polk Food Share volunteers. Volunteers complete training to obtain a valid Oregon Food Handler card prior to attending training, and complete an additional training on civil rights. The initial training is followed by partnering with knowledgeable food pantry project volunteers for pantry demonstration experience. Pantry trainings are generally offered no less than three times per year, updating and refreshing volunteers on numerous food and nutrition related subjects. Monthly volunteer meetings provide additional opportunities to stay up-to-date, choose recipes to demonstrate for the upcoming quarter, connect with other volunteers, and share our experiences.

Check back often to find out when the next Food Pantry Training will take place. Trainings are held at the Oregon State University Extension Service in Marion County located at 3180 Center Street NE, Room 1C, Salem. The training includes a tour of Marion-Polk Food Share, for those interested. Pre-registration is required.

For more information or to sign-up for 2010 training sessions, contact Lisa Wallig at Marion-Polk Food Share at 503-581-3855 Ext. 328.