Volunteer Policies and Procedures

Volunteer Philosophy

At Share Food Share Love (SFSL), we believe in the power of community and the impact of collective action. Our volunteers are the heart of our mission, working hand in hand to end food insecurity in our region. We expect our volunteers to approach their service with empathy, respect, and dedication, understanding that every action contributes to a larger network of support. In turn, we deeply appreciate the time, energy, and compassion you bring to our pantry. Your commitment helps us envision and move towards a future where everyone has access to the food and resources they need. Thank you for being an essential part of our mission and for sharing in the vision of a hunger-free future. We are all neighbors here.

Volunteer Policies

Age

All volunteers participating in food distribution must be 14 years of age or older. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a completed parental consent form on file. We welcome volunteers under the age of 14 for special projects and service days. Please contact the Administrative Director for more information.

Parental Consent Form

All volunteers under the age of 18 are required to have a parental consent form on file. You can access the Parental Consent Form here. If it is your first time to the pantry, please give your signed form to the volunteer leader on arrival. Volunteers will be unable to serve if they are under the age of 18 and do not have an up-to-date form on file.

Sign-Up

All volunteers are required to sign up on our website in advance of service. This ensures we can effectively plan and organize our distribution days, helping us meet the needs of our community efficiently. Your cooperation helps us provide the best possible service to those we support. In the event you need to cancel, please cancel your hours on the website signup page. If you need to cancel less than 24 hours prior to your shift, please call 630-347-5390.

When signing up, you will have the option to select from the following distribution times:

Tuesdays: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Saturdays: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Dress

Volunteers should dress comfortably for the weather. Closed-toed shoes are required for safety. Please ensure your attire is modest and appropriate for a community-focused environment.

Parking

Share Food Share Love is located at 9030 Brookfield Avenue in Brookfield. Parking is available in the commuter spots along the railroad tracks east of the pantry. Please park to the east of Sunnyside Avenue so that our neighbors can park in the spots closest to the pantry.  See the map below.

Arrival

Please arrive promptly for your service. If it is your first time volunteering at the pantry, please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time for a tour and overview. If it is not your first time, please arrive at the scheduled time. Volunteers who arrive after the launch meeting is completed may be dismissed if all positions are filled.

Volunteer Room

Our volunteer room has keyed lockers for your belongings as well as a coat rack to hang up your coat. If needed, please ask another volunteer or the Volunteer Leader to direct you there. In the volunteer room, you will make a name tag with your first name.

Service Hours Sign-off

We welcome individuals who are volunteering for school or community organization service-hour requirements. In order to have your hours signed for, we ask that you follow the above procedures and see a Pantry Manager or Volunteer Leader at the end of service for a signature and other required documentation.

Court-Ordered Service Hours

We welcome those who need to complete these hours. On their first day at the Pantry, individuals who need to complete court-ordered service should see the Administrative Director to make arrangements to be certain that hours will be properly recorded.