Community Food Banks
What is Community Food Banks?
Community Food Banks is a program designed to provide families with a temporary food supply when needed and to assist them in becoming more self-reliant. Volunteers are needed to restock shelves and help direct clients.
What is Circles Utah Valley?
The Circles Utah Valley Initiative teaches families how to overcome poverty through weekly classes and individualized support teams that empower them to set goals and make life changes. Y-Serve volunteers assist by greeting, serving, cleaning up from the dinner that is provided before the classes, and/or taking care of the children while the parents are in class. The children develop friendships with each other and the volunteers in a secure environment where they are provided with learning opportunities, routines, and activities. Come join us once a week for an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of these families. Free dinner is provided each week for Childcare volunteers.
A more detailed explanation of the Circles Initiative can be found on their website, or in this video.
What is Utah Food Bank?
Utah Food Bank is an opportunity to make a difference for local community members through the schools. Volunteers will help to organize and distribute food for students and their families. Each month during the school year, a truck arrives at the school where staff and volunteers bag product about 30 minutes before school gets out. Then once the bell rings, volunteers will assist students and their parents as they sign in and take food home for their families. The amount of food distributed varies, yet it’s usually 15-18 lbs. of food. It’s about an 1- 1 ½ hour time commitment.
Photos:
How do I get involved?
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Community Action Food Bank
Volunteer Description: Volunteers will restock shelves and help with direct clients who come to the pantry.
Volunteer Commitment: Regular hours for the food bank are Monday - Thursday 8:00 - 4:00 PM or Friday 8:00 - 3:00 PM.
Step 1:
Sign up to volunteer at the Community Action Food Bank here!
Utah Food Bank
Volunteer Description: Volunteers will restock shelves and help with direct clients who come to the pantry.
Volunteer Commitment: There is no volunteer commitment. Here are the available times below. You will need to schedule any appointments in advance:
Listed by day:
- Monday 9-10:30 AM, 12-1:30 PM and 2:30-4 PM
- Tuesday 9-10:30 AM, 12-1:30 PM and 2-3:30 PM
- Wednesday 12-1:30 PM, 3:30-5 PM and 6-7:30 PM (but only if there are enough volunteers to fill this shift the evening shift)
- Thursday 9-10:30 AM, 12-1:30 PM and 2:30-4 PM
- Friday 9-10:30 AM, 12-1:30 PM and 2:30-4 PM
Listed by time:
- 9:00-10:30 am - M, T, Th, F (not W)
- 12:00-1:30 pm - M-F
- 2:30-4:00 pm - M, T, Th, F (not W)
- 3:30-5:00 pm - W
- 6:00-7:30 pm - W (if enough volunteers sign up)
Step 1:
To get involved, email communityfoodbanks@byu.edu
Circles Utah Valley
Volunteer Description: Develop relationships with families and children during the dinner hour. Help out with children’s classes by reading to and playing with children.
Volunteer Commitment: Volunteers attend dinners on Tuesday evenings from 5:45 PM - 8:00 PM. Requires a one-semester weekly commitment
Step 1:
To get involved, email communityfoodbanks@byu.edu
Step 2:
Please complete this mandatory 25-minute Minor Protection Training before you begin working with the children.
A background check may be required by Circles Utah Valley. Contact student leadership for more information found in the "Get Involved" tab.
BECOME A LEADER
Volunteer Leader Description: There are two kinds of leadership positions: Executive Director and Program Director. A program only has one Executive Director, but multiple program directors. Leaders are generally responsible for overseeing recruitment, retention, and reflection with volunteers. They also coordinate service with community partners and ensure their program runs smoothly. Volunteer leaders may also share the responsibilities of volunteers as outlined in the Volunteer Description. For more information, visit our section called Be a Leader!
Volunteer Leader Commitment: In addition to volunteering, Volunteer leaders commit to a 1-hour monthly team meeting to discuss needs and make plans for the program.
STEP 1:
Apply to become a leader by completing one of the applications below (if there are no applications, then this program is not accepting leaders at this time):
One of the most memorable experiences I've had while serving at the Community Action Food Bank occurred toward the end of last Winter Semester together with a group of volunteers who had decided to come to the food bank with me that week. After our normal shift serving in the food bank, on our way out, we noticed a mother father and son who had just gone through the food bank, but looked stranded. They had no car and therefore no way of getting all of their food items home. In pure kindness and compassion, several of the volunteers in our group drove this family and all of their groceries home. On the way home, the volunteers also had a precious missionary opportunity, finding out that the mother was a less active member of the church and the father was not a member. They graciously accepted our invitation to meet with missionaries and start attending church. They were overwhelmed by and grateful for our service to them, both temporally and spiritually. They could feel of our sincere love for them and our pure desire to help. This experience has greatly touched me and stands as a powerful reminder of the true reason why we serve others.