Food Access Volunteer (PDX)

About the role

Hand in Hand Creating Community provides refugees, asylum seekers, and community members newly arriving in the Pacific Northwest the social capital necessary to transition into a successful life in the U.S. through five response areas: Community Wellness, Community Aid, Community Education, and Community Legal Clinic. Each of these areas is strengthened by the volunteer and partner organizations fostered through our focus on Community Connection.

Responsibilities

• Find a food bank near you using Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder tool, prioritizing locations with fresh food options.
• Email the Volunteer Coordinator (volunteer@pnwrsg.org) with the food bank name and location to be matched with a nearby household for delivery.
• Verify if the chosen food pantry requires an Authorized Representative Form to pick up food for someone else by calling or emailing the pantry.
• Pick up food boxes from the selected food bank during its open hours and deliver them directly to the household’s address.

How it works

• Locate a convenient food bank using the Food Finder tool (a quick video is available for guidance).
• Coordinate with the Volunteer Coordinator to be matched with a household in need.
• Pick up groceries (expect to wait in line) and deliver them to the household’s door.

Impact

Each delivery makes a significant difference by helping families feel supported, building trust, and showing solidarity in the community.