Volunteers in Action

The role of volunteers at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank is vital to its success. Volunteers provide assistance in numerous capacities to ensure the mission of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank is complete. The Chattanooga Area Food Bank would simply NOT SURVIVE without the dedication and commitment supplied to us through volunteers. We accept volunteers 12 years and up. (An adult must accompany any children under 15 years of age at all times.) Children under 12 years of age are not permitted in the warehouse for insurance purposes.

There are many areas in which to volunteer at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. The variety of positions offered help to ensure we can find something can be enjoyed by all.

Volunteer Positions

Food Boxes - The Chattanooga Area Food Bank operates an "emergency" food box program. We distribute approximately 800 food boxes monthly. Volunteers pack all the food boxes given out to families in need. Using an assembly line approach, this position does not require much lifting but does require some bending.

Sorting and Stacking - As food is donated to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, it all must be sorted into assigned categories and placed in a storage area. Immediately after large food drives, the need for volunteers increases tremendously. This position can require some lifting.

Some foods donated to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank are specifically designated to be placed on the sales floor for our shopping program. Volunteers sort through the items, and separate them by the UPC code on each case. Each item is then recorded and entered into inventory by the Operations Manager.

Customer Service - Clients come to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank with vouchers they have received from an agency. The agency has screened each client and determined they are eligible to receive a food box. Once they arrive, a volunteer assists the client with filling the voucher. Some lifting is required to place the food box on the cart. As with any position that deals with the public, this position requires a great deal of compassion and patience.

These are just a few of the volunteer opportunities offered. We also have volunteer positions in the following areas.

Community Gardens, Kids Cafe, Second Helping

How to Volunteer

If you are interested in volunteering at the Food Bank please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Sterling Gillum, at sgillum@chattfoodbank.org or (423) 622-1800.