Opportunities From: James Madison University Community Engagement & Volunteer Center

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as “food stamps,” helps millions of low-income Americans put food on the table. Many people who already qualify for SNAP benefits are not enrolled in the program for reasons that include stigma, transportation issues, or lack of knowledge.  

We seek volunteers who can help us inform and connect guests to SNAP benefits, so they can benefit from improved access, quantity, convenience, and choice of food.

Please note: This position has the option for both virtual and in-person work. 

As a SNAP Outreach and Education Volunteer you will help by: 

Virtually assisting guests in the completion of SNAP applications. 

Virtually assisting guests with submitting verification documents. 

Entering all related data from completed SNAP applications and outreach events into a Food Bank spreadsheet. 

Following up with guests through check in phone calls as they continue through the application process. 

Attending food distribution events at the Food Bank or at Food Bank partner agencies where you will share eligibility requirements for SNAP and answer commonly asked questions. 

Communicate SNAP eligibility requirements with guests at Food Bank or partner agency program events. 

Pre-screen people with low incomes for SNAP eligibility at Food Bank or partner agency program events. 

Desired Skills and Talents: 

Excellent customer service. 

Comfort speaking and interacting with guests from varied and diverse backgrounds. 

Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to assist others. 

Comfort with technology, particularly in navigating web-based software and administrative software like the Google Suite. 

Reliable access to the internet and a smart phone. 

Detail oriented and committed to accuracy.  

Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Food Bank staff, volunteers, and community organizations. 

Volunteers should also be committed to social and racial justice, with a belief that improving outcomes for all-–regardless of race, place, or class--requires solutions that correct injustices and promote equity. 

As a Warehouse Volunteer, you will pull orders for our partner agencies (Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens, Shelters, and Outreach Programs), unload trucks, break down pallets, and provide other general assistance in the warehouse as needed.    

Activities include: 

Must be at least 18 years old.  

Special Considerations:  

Due to the nature of the work and the safety of our volunteers and employees, good mobility is an important requirement for this position, as is the ability to lift 20-30 pounds. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record is a plus.  

What to Wear:  

For everyone’s safety, all volunteers must wear close-toed shoes (no sandals or flip flops) and clothes appropriate to work in a warehouse environment. You may also want to wear layers as our warehouse is not heated or cooled and temperatures may vary.  

When You Arrive:  

Sign in at the Kiosk. You can find a kiosk in the front hallway (to the left) or in the warehouse in the pedestrian walkway. After you sign in, please check in with the Warehouse Assistant.

Before you leave:  

Please make sure to sign out at the kiosk! 

Inclement Weather: 

In case of a delayed opening of a branch due to inclement weather, all morning shifts in the warehouse will be CANCELLED. In case of a closure due to inclement weather, all warehouse shifts for the day will be CANCELLED. You will also be notified via email as soon as possible about the cancellation of your shift. 

Questions? Contact volunteer@brafb.org 

To register for a shift, please visit our website.

As a Food Recovery Volunteer, projects include sorting canned and boxed items, perishable products, or produce for distribution. Other projects and light duties may be assigned and vary by location and/or time of year.

Activities Include:

Special Considerations:

Due to the nature of the work and the safety of our volunteers and employees, good mobility is an important requirement for this position, as is the ability to lift 20-30 pounds when needed. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record is a plus.

What to Wear:

For everyone’s safety, all volunteers must wear close-toed shoes (no sandals or flip flops) and clothes appropriate to work in a warehouse environment. You may also want to wear layers as our warehouse is not heated or cooled and temperatures may vary.

When You Arrive:

Sign in at the kiosk located in the front hallway or in the pedestrian walkway in the warehouse. Then, proceed to the volunteer breakroom where a staff member will meet you to start your shift. If you are volunteering with a group, a staff member will greet you in the front hallway and take you back.

Inclement Weather:

In case of a delayed opening of a branch due to inclement weather, all morning shifts in Food Recovery will be CANCELLED. In case of a closure due to inclement weather, all Food Recovery shifts for the day will be CANCELLED. You will also be notified via email as soon as possible about the cancellation of your shift.

Questions? Contact volunteer@brafb.org

You can register by visiting the volunteer calendar on our website.

As a Neighborhood Produce Market volunteer, you will help us offer nutritious products to families in Harrisonburg neighborhoods. 

Note: Off-site location (you will travel to 2-3 locations within a two-mile radius).

Activities Include:

Volunteers are expected to interact with youth and families of all backgrounds in a respectful and supportive way.  

For specific shift times and locations, please visit our Neighborhood Produce Market page.

Your Health and Safety: For the safety of our volunteers, staff, and clients, volunteers are reminded to stay home if you're not feeling well. 

Special Considerations: Due to the nature of the work and the safety of volunteers and employees, good mobility is an important requirement for this position, as is the ability to lift 20-30 pounds when needed. Volunteers for this job will do a lot of bending, reaching, and are on their feet for their entire shift. Volunteers for this role must be at least 16 years old.   

If you have foreign language skills and are willing to serve as an on-site interpreter, please contact Nelda Litwiller at nlitwiller@brafb.org or 540-908-4443. The most-needed languages include Spanish and Arabic; there could be help needed in other languages. 

Special Requirements: All Neighborhood Produce Market volunteers must be able to provide their own transportation to and from market locations. We do not reimburse for mileage.  

What to Wear & Weather: All volunteers must wear close-toed shoes (no sandals or flip flops) and comfortable clothes. We distribute food in all weather conditions but will announce via email by Noon if there are any cancellations due to weather. 

When You Arrive: Check in with the on-site Food Bank staff, Nelda Litwiller 

Questions? Contact Nelda Litwiller at nlitwiller@brafb.org or 540-908-4443. For questions regarding registration, please contact volunteer@brafb.org.