Opportunities From: United Way of Kaw Valley

The Food Pantry Assistant supports the daily operations of the food pantry by assisting with inventory management, food distribution, client service, and maintaining a clean and organized environment. This role is essential to ensuring clients receive food assistance in a respectful, efficient, and compassionate manner.

Responsibilities:

Assist with receiving, inspecting, and organizing food donations and deliveries

Stock and rotate pantry shelves to ensure product freshness and accessibility

Prepare food boxes or bags for distribution based on client needs and guidelines

Greet and assist clients, providing courteous and respectful service

Maintain cleanliness and organization of pantry areas, including storage and public spaces

Follow food safety guidelines and organizational procedures

It's so much more than only a meal! Connect with neighbors in your community when you deliver a hot, nutritious meal, daily safety check, and warm smile to homebound seniors every weekday, Monday-Friday between 10:30-12:00. Routes are available in Shawnee, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. Choose your schedule-deliver every week or once or twice a month-whatever works for you. Hundreds of homebound neighbors are eager to get to know you, call today! 

Opportunities available for corporate, club, or faith groups to deliver as a team. 

Connect with your neighbors and make a visible difference in the lives of homebound seniors. If you can just give (1) one hour a month or a week during the lunch hour, you will support the safety and independence of the elderly by delivering a hot, nutritious meal and a friendly smile! 

This is a great activity for families teaching children respect and the joy of service, for your employees to return to work recharged and inspired, or a fun project with your friends before lunch. 

For more information, call our office at (785) 430-2186, email Amanda at adouglas@midlandcc.org or visit our website at www.midlandcc.org. 

Midland Care Meals on Wheels serves seniors and homebound in Shawnee, Jefferson and Douglas counties.

Pick up meals at the location nearest you and deliver in the neighborhood you prefer. 

Meal delivery bags are picked up between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Routes take up to an hour to deliver to an average of 12-15 clients per route. We'll work with your schedule and interests to find the best schedule and area for you. 

Substitute Drivers
Even the most dedicated delivery volunteers need a day off now and then. Substitutes keep the wheels turning. Substitutes can view a sign up weekly for open routes and sign up for those that fit your schedule and preferred part of the city. This is- a great option if you travel frequently or if your work schedule has busier seasons and you don't feel like you can make a regular commitment. Fill in when you can-you've no idea how helpful substitutes are! 

Training is provided before you hit the road with your first meal delivery. 

Host a food & fund drive in your neighborhood, place of business, school or community organization. Food & fund drives are great fun, especially when friendly competition between participants is encouraged! Contact us at fighthunger@harvesters.org.

Don’t have room for a food drive barrel or have time to make a special trip to the grocery store? Host a virtual food drive for your workplace or organization! It’s a convenient, hassle-free, 24/7 way to help Harvesters with the click of a mouse! Go to www.harvesters.org and click on "Give Food" to download our step-by-step guides and "how to" kits. 

Healthy Family Meal Kits provide all the necessary ingredients for an easy, complete nutritious meal for children and families in need in our community. Each box includes enough ingredients to make 8 servings, as well as a recipe card.  

How It Works: 
The Family Meal Box program has two components:  a food or fund drive followed by a volunteer activity. 

Food/Fund Drive: 
Each box needs to include all of the items for one recipe listed below for the box to be complete. Collecting items in bulk or asking several volunteers to purchase food in bulk after collecting monetary donations works very well for this drive.    

Volunteer Activity: 
At the end of your food drive, coordinate with Harvesters to receive boxes, recipe cards, stickers.   Then, your volunteers will spend a few hours packing the individual boxes so they can be easily transported back to our facility for distribution.  

Need community service hours?
For every complete meal kit donated, you will receive 1 volunteer hour!*

Join us in making a difference in our community.

You can help by :

Your support can bring joy and nourishment to those in need. Contact us today to get involved!

Volunteer will be helping distribute food/clothing to patrons during our regular distribution. Tasks can include building food boxes, loading food into cars, folding/sorting clothes, and assisting shoppers in our clothing closet.

Seeking volunteers for 2-3 hours on Mondays between 8:30 am-12 pm (noon). Must have a driver's license, vehicle, and auto insurance. 

Position Overview:

Do you believe that everyone deserves to get their groceries in a dignified way? Just Food is looking for a warm, helpful and efficient individual to regularly serve as a weekly Delivery Driver to our homebound population. This position is responsible for picking up grocery orders at Just Food and delivering them to a predetermined route. Delivery Drivers ensure access to quality food if transportation is found to be a major barrier for households.

Just Food believes in a community led approach to addressing hunger and its root causes. There is no one face of hunger and we strive for our volunteer base to represent that truth. Through shared experiences and compassion, with dignity and without judgment, volunteers serve as ambassadors on behalf of Just Food staff, connecting the community to services that increase access to healthy foods, reduce barriers to health and well-being, and cultivate self-sufficiency.

Job Duties:

Pickup pre-assembled delivery kits and route sheet from Just Food

General knowledge of navigating Lawrence and Douglas County

Responsible for delivering to specified location 

Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Community Access Manager or Volunteer Manager

Requirements:

Availability Mondays sometime between 8:30 - Noon

Must possess valid driver's license, personal vehicle & auto insurance 

Dependability, service attitude, and strong organizational skills

Training & Supervision:

Must attend volunteer orientation, and complete confidentiality & liability waiver

Complete on-the-job training

Training/supervision conducted by Sourcing & Production Manager, Impact Director and/or Volunteer Manager

Time Commitment:

2-3 hour time commitment on Mondays between 8:30-Noon.

To sign up, visit www.justfoodks.org/volunteer, or for more information, email volunteer@justfoodks.org or production@justfoodks.org.

Seeking volunteers for minimum 2-3 hours per week between Tuesday 9 am-6 pm, Wednesday 9 am-3 pm, and Thursday 9 am-6 pm. 

Position Overview:

Are you an organized and efficient cook, ready to give back to your community? Just Food is looking for an adaptable, organized team player to help perform a variety of cooking and food repackaging tasks in our commercial kitchen. This position works under the direct supervision of the Sourcing & Production Manager and is responsible for helping create ready-to-eat and deli item selections, packaging and organizing the finished product, ensuring proper food handling practices and ultimately preparing these items to be distributed within the Just Food Pantry.

Just Food believes in a community led approach to addressing hunger and its root causes. There is no one face of hunger and we strive for our volunteer base to represent that truth. Through shared experiences and compassion, with dignity and without judgment, volunteers serve as ambassadors on behalf of Just Food staff, connecting the community to services that increase access to healthy foods, reduce barriers to health and well-being, and cultivate self-sufficiency.

Job Duties:

Help maintain a clean, well-organized, and safe kitchen environment

Basic produce prep and knife skills

Create a menu of ready-to-eat meals and sandwiches and pack in to-go containers

Perform portion control and minimize waste to keep cost within forecasted range

Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Sourcing & Production Manager

Requirements:

Ability to work in both team and solo environments

Ability to lift and/or move heavy items; frequent lifting and bending, and use of back; long periods of standing (exceptions for ADA-compliance)

Dependability, service attitude, and strong organizational skills

Wear closed-toed shoes

Training & Supervision:

Must attend volunteer orientation, and complete confidentiality & liability waiver

Complete on-the-job training

Training/supervision conducted by Sourcing & Production Manager, Impact Director and/or Volunteer Manager

Time Commitment:

Minimum 2-3 hour time commitment; open hours Tuesday - Thursday.

To sign up, visit www.justfoodks.org/volunteer, or for more information, email volunteer@justfoodks.org or production@justfoodks.org.

Seeking volunteers for regular, recurring 3 hour shifts for warehouse work during Just Food operating hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 am-6 pm, Wednesdays & Fridays 9 am-3 pm.

Position Overview:

Are you an organized and efficient worker, ready to give back to your community? Just Food is looking for an efficient, adaptable, organized team player to help perform a variety of manual tasks in our warehouse and shopping market. This position is responsible for sorting and organizing food items, keeping the pantry stocked, ensuring proper food handling practices and facilitating a safe, comfortable grocery shopping experience. This position will interact with clients and must be able to multitask while remaining helpful and calm under pressure. 

Just Food believes in a community led approach to addressing hunger and its root causes. There is no one face of hunger and we strive for our volunteer base to represent that truth. Through shared experiences and compassion, with dignity and without judgment, volunteers serve as ambassadors on behalf of Just Food staff, connecting the community to services that increase access to healthy foods, reduce barriers to health and well-being, and cultivate self-sufficiency.

Job Duties:

Help maintain a clean, well-organized, and safe arrangement and storage of food items in the food bank warehouse

Store products in appropriate areas

Receive donated food; weigh and record receipt of food, sort and eliminate food items unfit for distribution to clients 

Regularly stock pantry shelves to ensure quality selection of food for clients

Requirements:

Ability to work in team environment

Ability to lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds consistently; frequent lifting and bending and use of back; long periods of standing

Dependability, service attitude, and strong organizational skills

Training & Supervision:

Must attend volunteer orientation, and complete confidentiality & liability waiver

Complete on-the-job training

Training/supervision conducted by warehouse staff and/or Volunteer Manager

Time Commitment:

3-hour shifts available 9am-6pm Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-3pm Wednesdays & Fridays

To sign up, visit www.justfoodks.org/volunteer, or for more information, email volunteer@justfoodks.org.

Seeking volunteers for regular, recurring 3 hour shifts for check out during Just Food operating hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 am-6 pm, Wednesdays & Fridays 9 am-3 pm.

Position Overview: 

Do you believe that everyone deserves to get their groceries in a dignified way? Just Food is looking for a warm, helpful and efficient individual to regularly serve as Checkout Attendant in our shopping market. This frontline position is responsible for helping shoppers finish up their shopping trip, counting up food points used, ensuring appropriate distribution of food based on household size, and facilitating a safe, comfortable grocery shopping experience. This position will interact with all shoppers and must be able to multitask while remaining calm under pressure. 

Just Food believes in a community led approach to addressing hunger and its root causes. There is no one face of hunger and we strive for our volunteer base to represent that truth. Through collective experiences and compassion, with dignity and without judgment, volunteers serve as ambassadors on behalf of Just Food staff, connecting the community to services that increase access to healthy foods, reduce barriers to health and well-being, and cultivate self-sufficiency.

Job Duties:

Welcome and assist all shoppers coming into the pantry

Help shoppers understand how to navigate and operate within the market

Count up points and bag/box per client's preference; help carryout as needed

Requirements:

Have a professional appearance and friendly attitude

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to lift 20-30 pounds and stand on your feet for extended periods

Training & Supervision:

Must attend volunteer orientation & complete confidentiality & liability waiver

Training/supervision conducted by Pantry Manager, Volunteer Manager or Warehouse staff

Time Commitment:

3-hour shifts: 9am-6pm Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-3pm Wednesdays & Fridays. Must be able to commit to the same regular shift each week. 

To sign up, visit www.justfoodks.org/volunteer, or for more information, email volunteer@justfoodks.org.

Seeking volunteers for regular, recurring 3 hour shifts for check in during Just Food operating hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 am-6 pm, Wednesdays & Fridays 9 am-3 pm.

Position Overview: 

Do you have the gift of gab and want to use it to help others? Just Food is looking for a warm, welcoming, organized individual to regularly serve as Check-in Attendant in our pantry. This frontline position is responsible for registering and screening shoppers, ensuring accuracy of computer records, and facilitating a safe, comfortable grocery shopping experience. This frontline position will interact with all shoppers and must be able to multitask while remaining calm under pressure. 

Just Food believes in a community led approach to addressing hunger and its root causes. There is no one face of hunger and we strive for our volunteer base to represent that truth. Through collective experiences and compassion, with dignity and without judgment, volunteers serve as ambassadors on behalf of Just Food staff, connecting the community to services that increase access to healthy foods, reduce barriers to health and well-being, and cultivate self-sufficiency.

Job Duties:

Welcome and assist all folks coming into the pantry

Help shoppers understand how to navigate and operate within shopping area

Register any new shoppers, ensure complete and accurate information

Light data entry and computer usage as well as photocopying

Requirements:

Must be punctual and dependable; ability to commit to minimum 3-hour shift

Must present a semi-professional appearance and friendly attitude

Strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills

Comfortable on the computer & data entry

Training & Supervision:

Must attend volunteer orientation & complete confidentiality & liability waiver

Complete Link2Feed (software) training

Training/supervision conducted by Pantry Manager and/or Volunteer Manager

Time Commitment:

3-hour shifts: 9am-6pm Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-3pm Wednesdays & Fridays. Must be able to commit to the same regular shift each week. 

To sign up, visit www.justfoodks.org/volunteer, or for more information, email volunteer@justfoodks.org.

Join our Truck to Shelf Team and be part of the essential crew that keeps our pantry shelves stocked and our operations running smoothly!

As a member of this team, you’ll help with:

Unloading deliveries from the truck

Opening and sorting boxes of goods

Stocking shelves with care and accuracy

Organizing and storing excess inventory in our backroom or storage areas

This is a hands-on, active role that’s perfect for volunteers who enjoy working behind the scenes and don’t mind a bit of lifting, sorting, and teamwork. You’ll play a crucial role in making sure everything is ready and accessible for the people we serve.

Join our Truck to Shelf Team and be part of the essential crew that keeps our pantry shelves stocked and our operations running smoothly!

As a member of this team, you’ll help with:

Unloading deliveries from the truck

Opening and sorting boxes of goods

Stocking shelves with care and accuracy

Organizing and storing excess inventory in our backroom or storage areas

This is a hands-on, active role that’s perfect for volunteers who enjoy working behind the scenes and don’t mind a bit of lifting, sorting, and teamwork. You’ll play a crucial role in making sure everything is ready and accessible for the people we serve.

As a Heart & Cart Pantry Volunteer, you are part of the frontline hospitality team: the welcoming face and helping hands of our pantry experience. You’ll interact directly with guests, assist them through the shopping process, and help make their visit respectful, efficient, and caring. Your presence helps shape not just what guests take home, but how they feel as they leave.

Greet guests warmly as they arrive and check them in

Guide guests through the shopping process, answer questions, and help them locate items

Bag groceries, load or carry items to guests’ vehicles (as needed)

Maintain shopping area: tidy shelves, restock as needed, check for dated/expired items

Assist with crowd flow or line management during busy periods

Clean up stations, clear debris or stray packaging, and help keep the space orderly

Collaborate with other volunteers and staff to ensure guest needs are met efficiently

Report low stock or maintenance issues to staff

Uphold a welcoming, dignified, and nonjudgmental environment

Friendly, compassionate, and guest‑oriented attitude

Comfortable interacting with diverse individuals and demonstrating respect

Ability to lift moderate weight (boxes or grocery bags) safely

Willingness to stand, walk, bend, and assist throughout shift

Good communicator and active listener

Flexibility, teamwork, and adaptability in a dynamic environment

Reliable and punctual

SIGN UP DIRECTLY ON OUR WEBSITE!

https://senttopeka.churchcenter.com/people/forms/763140

Volunteers are needed.  Please give us a call if you can help! 

We need volunteers all year but we are very flexible and can work around seasonal schedules when possible.

Types of drivers are needed:
 

What happens when I decide to volunteer?

Each day, Lawrence Meals On Wheels delivers approximately 150+ meals. This enormous task would not be possible without our number one resource – Volunteers. Over 125 volunteers each week are utilized to serve our clients.
 

Volunteers pick up meals between 10:30 – 11:30 at MOW, 2121 Kasold, and then deliver to between 4 -8 clients. The delivery bags are then returned to MOW. The entire process takes an hour or less and can easily be done over your lunch hour.  We can be very flexible if you need to run errands afterwards or return the bags the next morning - just let us know and we will work it out.
 

Volunteers initially train with a staff member and then ride along on a route prior to driving their own. We provide route sheets, with detailed maps and written directions. Staff is always available to answer any questions and assist as needed.  All of our routes take an hour or less.  We do our best to make sure that the delivery routes are as direct and concise as possible.
 

A valid driver’s license and proof of current insurance are required.
 

Our volunteers range in age from 5 to 90. We have parents who drive with their children, executives who drive on their lunch hour, as well as KU students and retired individuals who drive. We are flexible and can work with your schedule, i.e. if you are going to be out of town, can only help over the holidays and/or during the summer, etc.

We can not accept anyone under 18 as a volunteer driver unless they are accompanied by a parent.

Other Volunteer Opportunities:
 

Schedule:  Daily M-F 9-2

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Thank you for donating a meal for our guests at the Lawrence Community Shelter! All meal donations must be scheduled and approved in advance. Meal donations must be prepared in a safe-certified or similarly regulated kitchen for quality assurance. Homemade donations are NOT accepted. However, you can volunteer to cook in the shelter kitchen instead.

Please reach out to schedule your meal donation. You will receive instructions for preparing meals, the number of servings, and noting common allergens.

Each Sunday, the ECM hosts Food Not Bombs' meal prep. Food Not Bombs provides free meals to the community each Monday. Food prep consists of cutting and preparing foods as well as some clean up after. This typically takes about 3 hours and begins around 1:30 pm. Volunteers do not need to stay the entire time.

Volunteers just need to show up to the ECM. All equipment will be provided on site. No previous food prep experience necessary, we can show you all you need to know!

 This is a reoccurring event for every Monday. After receiving a follow-up email from the ECM, please indicate which date you are looking to register for. 

Types of drivers are needed:
 

What happens when I decide to volunteer?

Each day, Lawrence Meals On Wheels delivers approximately 150+ meals. This enormous task would not be possible without our number one resource – Volunteers. Over 125 volunteers each week are utilized to serve our clients.
 

Volunteers pick up meals between 10:30 – 11:30 at MOW, 2121 Kasold, and then deliver to between 4 -8 clients. The delivery bags are then returned to MOW. The entire process takes an hour or less and can easily be done over your lunch hour.  We can be very flexible if you need to run errands afterwards or return the bags the next morning - just let us know and we will work it out.
 

Volunteers initially train with a staff member and then ride along on a route prior to driving their own. We provide route sheets, with detailed maps and written directions. Staff is always available to answer any questions and assist as needed.  All of our routes take an hour or less.  We do our best to make sure that the delivery routes are as direct and concise as possible.
 

A valid driver’s license and proof of current insurance are required.
 

Our volunteers range in age from 5 to 90. We have parents who drive with their children, executives who drive on their lunch hour, as well as KU students and retired individuals who drive. We are flexible and can work with your schedule, i.e. if you are going to be out of town, can only help over the holidays and/or during the summer, etc.

We can not accept anyone under 18 as a volunteer driver unless they are accompanied by a parent.

Other Volunteer Opportunities:
 

Care Cupboard Volunteers will provide excellent and compassionate customer service for shoppers in our food pantry located on the north side of Heartland Community Health Center.  Service duties include: greeting shoppers, data entry, assisting shoppers, sacking groceries; as well as some light cleaning and stocking of the pantry. 

Volunteers will serve independently in support of our mission to help those in need of care. Comfort with computer entry is important and experience serving a diverse population (some with potentially special needs) is crucial. 

The Care Cupboard at Heartland Community Health Center is a satellite of Just Food.