Capital City YouthBuild with AmeriCorps

Are you looking for a way to boost your resume or obtain paid job training? Are you between the ages of 18 and 24? 

The Community Renewal Team (CRT) Capital City YouthBuild Americorps program could be the perfect fit.
 
Capital City YouthBuild helps selected participants develop the skills to complete their GED and pursue a career in Construction or as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)! If they already have their high school diploma, the training allows them to quickly transition to employment or further their education. Members of the program are eligible to receive their OSHA-10 certificate, Home Builders Institute (HBI) PACT certification, CPR, CNA and/or ServSafe certification. A stipend and incentives are provided.

Carissa is an AmeriCorps volunteer currently working with Foodshare's Communications team. She had this to share about the benefits of the program:

"Americorps programs have a history of improving our communities and providing individuals with the necessary skills to advance in their careers. One of the best things about being a part of Americorps VISTA is the educational opportunities that allow me to learn hands-on. Based on what I know about CRT Capital City YouthBuild, it's an excellent opportunity to network, gain knowledge, and apply lessons in the real world, all while making money!"

If you know anyone interested, applications can be picked up at CRT Youth Artisan & Technology (YAT) ​Center located at 1443 Main Street in Hartford. If additional information is needed, please feel free to contact Cynthia Baisden via email at baisdenc@crtct.org.

Welcome South Windsor as our 20th Hunger Action Team!

SW HAT members pictured from left to right: M. Saud Anwar, Beatrice Maslowski, Andrea Cofrancesco, Sarah Hill, Sandy Ramesh, Liane Lussie-Smith, Kent Greenman, Nancy Swiatkiewicz, Peter Stagon, and Laurel Andrews

The South Windsor Hunger Action Team held their inaugural meeting on Wednesday September 28th at the South Windsor Public Library.

South Windsor is Foodshare's 20th Hunger Action Team (HAT). The new HAT will be meeting on the second Wednesday of the month at 12:30 p.m. at the South Windsor Library. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 12th at 12:30 p.m. in the Friends Room of the South Windsor Public Library. New members are always welcome.

For more information about the new South Windsor HAT, please contact Beatrice Maslowski, Community Network Builder at Foodshare at 860-286-9999 x180. Learn more >

August: Immediate Volunteer Needs

Summer vacation is in full swing.

Unfortunately, so is hunger, and Foodshare has a dire need for volunteers who can keep pace with the need. Forget the staycation, and consider voluntourism instead. Sign up with Foodshare to make summer meals happen for neighbors right in your own backyard!

Sort food at our Bloomfield facility or down at the Regional Market--morning and afternoon shifts are available every week for both individuals and groups. Register online >

RPU Volunteers Needed!

Foodshare's Retail Pick-up Program is looking for a few volunteers to help coordinate donations from Walmart Hartford on Flatbush Avenue every Monday and/or Friday mornings at about 9am. This position requires the ability to lift up to 40 pounds and interact with all levels of associates within the store. You should plan to spend an hour or so in the store each time getting donations prepared and approved for pick-up by our Foodshare drivers. Training will be provided.

If interested, please contact Gaye Sgamboti, Retail Donations Coordinator, at 860-286-9999 x142. To learn more about the Retail Pick-up Program, click here.

National Volunteer Week: Ways you can help!

Here at Foodshare, we would not be able to accomplish our mission of eliminating hunger without the more than 6,200 volunteers who help us at every step along the way, from our distribution center to our Hunger Action Teams in the community.

So we're happy to celebrate National Volunteer Week, which has been a tradition since 1974. It's about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging the millions of Americans who give their time and talents to help others.

There are plenty of good reasons to volunteer. It feels great giving back. It allows you to make new friends and gain new perspectives. You'll help people who need your time, your effort and your willingness to listen and understand. And if you're thinking of a career change, it's a great way to expand your network, gain new skills and show prospective employers you're committed to your community.

Foodshare is always looking for volunteers to help us accomplish our goals. Whether it's sorting food in our Bloomfield distribution center, serving as a member of a Hunger Action Team or becoming an e-advocate, there are so many ways you can help us eliminate hunger and food insecurity, one meal at a time. 

Here's a look at the opportunities Foodshare is offering right now. See something you like? Click here to register and get involved!

February: Immediate Volunteer Needs

Want to fight hunger by raising awareness in our community? Become a Foodshare Ambassador! We have opportunities to represent Foodshare at tabling events, speak and facilitate workshops during the day, evenings or weekends. Click here to sign up for our upcoming Level 1 Ambassador Training taking place on Wednesday, February 10.

Retail Pick-Up Volunteers Needed: Collect unused food from our partners in the food industry and transport it to a local food program in the same neighborhood on a weekly basis. We currently have an urgent need for volunteers in Avon, Bristol, East Windsor, Enfield, Ellington, Manchester, Mansfield, Newington, Plainville, Rocky Hill, Southington, Stafford Springs, Tolland, Vernon, West Hartford and Windsor. Volunteers must own a vehicle and have a valid driver’s license (mileage reimbursement is available), proof of insurance, ability to lift 20-30 pounds, and 1-2 hrs. per week, Monday through Friday. Contact Lauren at lkowtko@foodshare.org for more information.

Thursday Morning Food Sorting in Bloomfield: We are in need of a few more Thursday morning "regular" volunteers to help us inspect and sort donated items on a weekly basis. Interested?Contact Edna at ebailey@foodshare.org for more information.


Additional opportunities are always available online.

Volunteer Retail Pick-up Training TOMORROW!

January 21 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. @ Foodshare

Retail Pick-up is a great way to learn how Foodshare brings together the food industry and local food programs to combat hunger and reduce waste in communities throughout greater Hartford. We currently have the greatest need for volunteers in the following towns: Bristol, East Windsor, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Newington, Southington, and West Hartford. Volunteers must own a vehicle and have a valid driver’s license (mileage reimbursement is available), proof of insurance, ability to lift 20-30 pounds, and 1-2 hrs per week, Monday through Friday. 

Learn more or Register online >

January: Immediate Volunteer Needs

Food Sorting Volunteers Needed 
We are looking for volunteers to sort donated food, produce and other items in our Bloomfield and Hartford warehouses through the holidays and in January and February. Morning and afternoon weekday shifts are available. Visit foodshare.volunteerhub.com and click “Food Sorting – Bloomfield” or “Produce Re-Packing – Hartford” for more information and to sign up!

Additional opportunities are always available online.

November: Immediate Volunteer Needs

RPU Volunteers needed in Southington, Enfield, West Hartford, and Newington
Ever wonder what happens to all the hot dogs, watermelon, and corn on the cob that doesn't get purchased when Connecticut has a rainy Fourth of July? Did you know that many grocers increase their milk and bread orders ahead of a winter storm because they know consumers are going to want to stock up? Ever wonder what happens to that milk and bread when that storm changes direction and you and I don't do our "storm shopping?" Years ago, this perfectly edible but unsalable food was sent to the landfills. Fortunately today there are other options. Every weekday, you will find our Retail Pick-Up volunteers collecting unused food from our partners in the food industry, and transporting it to a local food program in the same neighborhood.

Retail Pick-up is a great way to combat hunger locally, while reducing waste in your community. We currently have the greatest need for volunteers in Southington, Enfield, West Hartford, and Newington. Volunteers must own a vehicle and have a valid driver’s license (mileage reimbursement is available), proof of insurance, ability to lift 20-30 pounds, and 1-2 hrs per week, Monday through Friday. Contact Lauren Kowtko for more information or to sign up for our next training!

Mobile Foodshare
We are looking for stand-by volunteers to ride in our Mobile Foodshare trucks weekday mornings when our regular volunteers are out. Volunteers should be able to lift boxes of up to 30 pounds and work on their feet. Please contact Edna for more information or to sign up.

Additional opportunities are always available online.

Get your 'Game' on this November!

Thanksgiving is a holiday for everyone--something shared across communities, across faiths, across the country. Your gift of a turkey (or several turkeys!) will ensure that your neighbors who are struggling can join in the celebration. And your gift of cash will help put food on the table after the holiday has come to an end.

Take part in Turkey Wars, and battle it out to collect the most turkeys -- a friendly competition between friends to help our hungry neighbors. Or visit http://www.aTurkeyand30.org/ to learn more about the ways you can fight hunger this November!

October: Immediate Volunteer Needs

Volunteer Crew Members Needed!
Foodshare's facilities in Bloomfield and Hartford need additional volunteers to come in regularly on weekdays to help inspect and sort donated items for distribution. Volunteers should be able to work on their feet for a few hours at a time and lift boxes of up to 30 pounds. Please contact Edna for more information.

Mobile Foodshare
We are looking for regular volunteers to ride in our Mobile Foodshare Trucks on Monday and Friday mornings and for a few back-up volunteers to fill in when a regular volunteer is sick. Volunteers should be able to lift boxes of up to 30 pounds and work on their feet. Please contact Edna for more information or to sign up.

Additional opportunities are always available online.  

RPU Volunteers needed in Southington, Enfield and West Hartford!

Ever wonder what happens to all the hot dogs, watermelon, and corn on the cob that doesn't get purchased when Connecticut has a rainy Fourth of July? Did you know that many grocers increase their milk and bread orders ahead of a winter storm because they know consumers are going to want to stock up? Ever wonder what happens to that milk and bread when that storm changes direction and you and I don't do our "storm shopping?"

Years ago, this perfectly edible but unsalable food was sent to the landfills. Fortunately today there are other options. Every weekday, you will find our Retail Pick-Up volunteers collecting unused food from our partners in the food industry, and transporting it to a local food program in the same neighborhood.

Retail Pick-up is a great way to combat hunger locally, while reducing waste in your community. We currently have the greatest need for volunteers in Southington, Enfield and West Hartford. Volunteers must own a vehicle and have a valid driver’s license (mileage reimbursement is available), proof of insurance, ability to lift 20-30 pounds, and 1-2 hrs per week, Monday through Friday.

Contact Gaye Sgamboti for more information, or to sign up for our next training!

September: Immediate Volunteer Needs

Volunteer Crew Members Needed!
Foodshare's facilities in Bloomfield and Hartford need additional volunteers to come in regularly on weekdays to help inspect and sort donated items for distribution. Volunteers should be able to work on their feet for a few hours at a time and occasionally lift boxes of up to 30 pounds. Please contact Edna for more information.

Gardening at Varney and Auer Farms
Our good friends at Varney Farm in South Windsor and and Auer Farm in Bloomfield grow fresh vegetables that are donated to Foodshare. Volunteers are needed in South Windsor on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. and in Bloomfield on Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. Please contact Edna for more information or to sign up.

Additional opportunities are always available online. 

August: Immediate Volunteer Needs

Volunteer Crew Members Needed!
Foodshare's facilities in Bloomfield and Hartford need additional volunteers to come in regularly on weekdays to help inspect and sort donated items for distribution. Volunteers should be able to work on their feet for a few hours at a time and occasionally lift boxes of up to 35 pounds. Please contact Edna for more information.

Gardening at Varney and Auer Farms
Our good friends at Varney Farm in South Windsor and and Auer Farm in Bloomfield grow fresh vegetables that are donated to Foodshare. Volunteers are needed in South Windsor on Wednesdays from 4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m. and in Bloomfield on Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m. Please contact Edna for more information or to sign up.

July: Immediate Volunteer Needs

Regional Market in Hartford
Foodshare's facility at the regional market receives as much as 6.5 million pounds of fresh produce annually, and volunteers are needed to help inspect and repackage these vegetables for distribution. We are in need of several volunteers to work regularly on Monday afternoons from 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m., Tuesdays from 8:30a.m. – 12:00p.m. and 1:00p.m. – 3:00p.m. and Saturdays from 12:00p.m. – 3:00p.m. Please contact Edna for more information.

Gardening at Varney and Auer Farms
Our good friends at Varney Farm in South Windsor and and Auer Farm in Bloomfield grow fresh vegetables that are donated to Foodshare. Volunteers are needed in South Windsor on Wednesdays from 4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m. and in Bloomfield on Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m. Please contact Edna for more information or to sign up.

Additional opportunities are always available online.  

May: Immediate Volunteer Needs

Food Sorting
Foodshare is seeking volunteers to assist with sorting incoming food, through our Food Reclamation program, to determine which products are safe for consumption. Working in our Bloomfield warehouse, volunteers typically work 2-6 hours/week after completing a training class. The next “Evaluating Food Packaging” training is scheduled for Thursday, May 21 from 1:00p.m. – 2:30p.m. Please contact Edna for more information or to sign up for the training.

Gardening at Varney Farm
Our good friend Sandy Varney uses her 4 acre farm in South Windsor to grow fresh vegetables that are donated to Foodshare. Volunteers are needed for this year’s “Planting Day” on Saturday, May 30th from 9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. Please contact Edna for more information or to sign up for this event.

Ambassadors
Ambassador volunteers serve an essential function, educating the public about hunger—its causes and its solution. Tasks include answering questions at information tables at public events, giving speeches about hunger to community organizations, schools, and congregations who request them, and facilitating role-playing exercises where people learn about hunger first-hand. We teach you everything you need to know. Contact Amanda for more information.

Additional opportunities are always available online. 

April: Immediate Volunteer Needs

Mesh Bags
Foodshare uses mesh bags (think onion bags from the store) to pack much of the fresh produce we distribute. We buy the mesh in large rolls, however it needs to be cut to the right length and one end closed into a bag with a knot. We are currently experiencing a shortage in bags and need help “making” more bags. This volunteer activity can be completed at Foodshare, or at your home or business. We would be happy to provide volunteers with mesh and have you bring completed bags back to us. Please contact Keith or Edna for more information.

Volunteer Receptionist
We have a need for a volunteer to answer phones and greet visitors at our headquarters in Bloomfield. You will help us by delivering friendly, efficient customer service and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all of our guests. If you have experience using a multi-line phone system, and are interested in working 2 – 4 hours/week, please contact Edna or call 860-286-9999.

Regional Market in Hartford
Foodshare's facility at the regional market receives as much as 6.5 million pounds of fresh produce annually, and volunteers are needed to help inspect and repackage these vegetables for distribution. We are in need of several volunteers to work regularly on Tuesday’s. Shifts are 8:30am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Please contact Edna for more information

March: Immediate Volunteer Needs

Mobile Foodshare
Mobile Foodshare is an outdoor food distribution for persons of low income. The food choices vary from week to week but usually include bread and several types of fresh produce. One volunteer rides with a Foodshare driver and assists in distribution. We currently have an ongoing opportunity to work every other Tuesday 8:00am – 2:30pm, as well as an "on call" volunteer to help fill in for our regular volunteers. Please contact Edna for more information and availability.

Mesh Bags
Foodshare uses mesh bags (think onion bags from the store) to pack much of the fresh produce we distribute. We buy the mesh in large rolls, however it needs to be cut to the right length and one end closed into a bag with a knot. We are currently experiencing a shortage in bags and need help “making” more bags. This volunteer activity can be completed at Foodshare, or at your home or business. We would be happy to provide volunteers with mesh and have you bring completed bags back to us. Please contact Keith or Edna for more information.

A Unique Volunteer Opportunity

Working toward Employment and Family Stability...

The Mentoring Program provides guidance and encouragement to people looking to find, retain or improve a job by matching them with a working or retired member of the community. IF YOU ARE working or retired and might like to be a mentor for a person facing employment challenges, please contact George Lombardo at 860-286-9999 x143 or glombardo@foodshare.org for more information. We currently have needs for mentors in Hartford and Vernon.

IF YOU ARE possibly interested in helping develop and coordinate this program at agencies in Hartford and/or Vernon, please also contact George.

February: Immediate Volunteer Needs

Volunteer Receptionist
We have a need for a volunteer to answer phones and greet visitors at our headquarters in Bloomfield. You will help us by delivering friendly, efficient customer service and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all of our guests. If you have experience using a multi-line phone system, and are interested in working 2 – 4 hours/week, please contact Edna or call 860-286-9999.

Regional Market in Hartford
Foodshare's facility at the regional market receives as much as 6.5 million pounds of fresh produce annually, and volunteers are needed to help inspect and repackage these vegetables for distribution. Shifts are available Monday through Saturday in the morning and afternoon. Please contact Edna or Keith for more information and availability.

Mobile Foodshare
Mobile Foodshare is an outdoor food distribution for persons of low income. The food choices vary from week to week but usually include bread and several types of fresh produce. One volunteer rides with a Foodshare driver and assists in distribution. We currently have an ongoing opportunity to work every other Tuesday 8:00am – 2:30pm, as well as an "on call" volunteer to help fill in for our regular volunteers. Please contact Edna for more information and availability.