Volunteer Policies

In order to provide a safe, positive, and inclusive experience for all participants, volunteers agree to:

• Respect the safety, boundaries, health, and well-being of all fellow participants, others at the event, and event locations.
• Cooperate with staff, Event Leaders, other volunteers, and partner organization representatives.
• Follow all volunteer procedures and policies of which they are informed.
• Comply with all instructions given by Food Forward staff or volunteers supervising volunteer activities.

We are committed to promoting the health and well-being of our community, including volunteers, hunger relief agency partners, fruit and vegetable donors, produce recipients, and staff. Illnesses such as COVID-19, the flu, and colds continue to be public health concerns, and we ask that you please stay home if you are sick or have been in close contact with someone who is sick.

To cancel your volunteer spot, use the cancellation link provided in your confirmation or reminder emails. If you begin to feel unwell during an event, please leave immediately.

Volunteers are welcome to take additional precautions to feel safe and comfortable, including wearing a mask or using the hand sanitizer available on site.

Because our volunteer teams are small and we rely on volunteers to conduct food recovery events, we have a strict attendance policy.

• If you need to cancel after signing up, we require at least three days of advance notice so we have time to find another volunteer.
• We understand that emergencies come up, and we ask that you notify us as soon as possible so we can make alternate plans.
• To cancel, use the link provided in your confirmation email.
• If canceling less than 24 hours in advance, use the cancellation link and, if possible, call the Event Leader (contact provided in reminder emails) between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• If you will be late, contact the Event Leader to let them know. If you will be more than 15 minutes late, please ask the Event Leader if they still need your help.
• If cancellation instructions are not followed, our policy is as follows:
• After the first occurrence, you will receive an email asking you to confirm you are able to attend future events for which you have signed up.
• After the second occurrence, we may contact you again to review our attendance policy.
• After the third occurrence, you may be asked not to participate in Food Forward volunteer events.

Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian at all events. Children and adults must register separately, and parents or guardians must be present and participating at all times. We are not able to allow exceptions to our age policy.

Backyard Harvest

• Minimum age of five to participate.
• Volunteers under 16 must register and participate with a parent or guardian.
• Volunteers under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign Food Forward’s release form.
• Certain events may be restricted to adults or older children depending on the harvest site.

Farmers Market Recovery

• Minimum age of 12 to participate.
• Volunteers under 16 must register and participate with a parent or guardian.
• Volunteers under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign Food Forward’s release form.

Event Leaders

• Minimum age of 16 to train as an Event Leader.
• Volunteers under 18 must train and lead with a parent or legal guardian who is over 18. A non-legal adult guardian, such as a family friend or teacher, may not train and lead with a volunteer under 18.

Each of our volunteer events is unique. Please be aware of volunteers and others in the area, wait for instructions before using any tools or equipment, and comply with all instructions given by Food Forward staff or Event Leaders.

What to wear: Closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles are mandatory for all events. We recommend comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting dirty, as well as a hat and sunscreen, especially in warmer months. Volunteers at Backyard Harvest events should also wear protective eyewear such as sunglasses.

Staying hydrated: Bring plenty of water. Most events occur in locations without access to water fountains or taps. In hot weather, stay in the shade when possible and take breaks as needed.

Weather-related cancellations: We cancel events in cases of heavy rain, extreme heat, fire and air quality danger.

Equipment: Use equipment only for its intended purpose and as directed by the Event Leader. Boxes may not be stacked more than three high on wheeled hand carts. Fruit pickers, extensions, clippers, and harvest bags should always be put out of the way when not in use. Boxes full of produce may be heavy, so always lift with your knees and ask for help when needed. At Backyard Harvest events, fill boxes only as heavy as you are comfortable lifting.

While volunteering with Food Forward, you may receive confidential information about other volunteers, including names, phone numbers, and other personal or contact information.

• Use personal or contact information only as needed to fulfill your responsibilities as a volunteer. For example, please do call your Event Leader on the day of the event if you will be late, but do not contact them at other times.
• Do not share personal information received from Food Forward or its staff, partners, or volunteers with other individuals, groups, or organizations.
• All communications must comply with our General Volunteer Agreement above.

Food Forward reserves the right to not work with volunteers who do not follow our policies. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.