Come join us for a fun and rewarding experience!
This volunteer opportunity is FREE, but you must register.
OFFSITE: Food Gatherers Facility, 1 Carrot Way, Ann Arbor
Food Gatherers exists to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in our community. Established in 1988 as Michigan’s first food rescue program and the sixth in the United States, Food Gatherers is the first food rescue program to be founded by a for-profit business, Zingerman’s Delicatessen. Food Gatherers rescues several tons of food daily that volunteers help process, inspect, and sort. Since Food Gatherers relies on donations from the community, they cannot predict what they will be getting from one day to the next; therefore, specific tasks are often not determined until the day of the shift. Driving directions and parking instructions will be sent to registrants a few days in advance of the tour.
Enrollment: This volunteer opportunity is limited to 20 attendees. A waitlist will be available.
Please let the Elderwise office know if, after registering, you are unable to attend this event. This gives students on the waitlist an opportunity to join. It also helps the onsite class assistant.
NOTE #1: The professional staff at Food Gatherers know we are primarily seniors and will not ask our volunteers to move or lift heavy items. The shift does involve being on your feet for two hours. In past terms we have been tasked with sorting produce in the refrigerated room so wear something warm. Our specific assignment depends on what they have on hand that day, so let's be prepared.
NOTE #2: Volunteers must wear sensible closed-toed shoes (no sandals) and shirts with t-shirt length sleeves or longer. A head covering (hat, beanie, bandana, etc.) is required for most tasks. Hairnets will be provided if you need one. You may be in the Green Room which is temperature controlled around 50 degrees F, so it’s a good idea to bring an extra layer such as a sweatshirt or a coat. Also, keep in mind you may be working with open food and things can get a bit messy. If you are wearing clothing that does not comply with these guidelines, you will not be able to volunteer.
REQUIRED: A Group Member Volunteer Waiver Form and more information will be sent to all registrants a few days prior to the tour. Please bring the form with you when you come to volunteer. Please be on time with your waivers filled out. If you decide to fill out a waiver on site, please arrive a few minutes early.
