United Food Bank and Services Volunteer Policy

Welcome to United Food Bank and Services (UFB)! We’re so grateful you’ve chosen to spend your time with us. Your efforts help nourish our community and keep our programs running smoothly.

As a volunteer, you may assist with a variety of tasks, including:

• Sorting and checking food for quality
• Stocking shelves and organizing the warehouse
• Assembling food boxes and kids’ break bags
• Supporting programs like Feeding Our Future, Feeding Our Legacy, + more!
• Distributing food directly to the community

Thank you for being part of the UFB family—we couldn’t do this without you!

*Volunteering times must be scheduled in advance and are appointment based only. Please contact our office to schedule: 813-764-0625 EXT. 5

Volunteers Rules and Regulations

Have you ever been convicted, plead guilty, or no contest before a court for any federal, state, or municipal criminal offense, such as a misdemeanor/felony, regardless of the age of conviction? Please include any felony/misdemeanor driving offenses such as Driving While Suspended, DWI(Driving Under the Influence), or OWI(Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence Traffic infractions (ie speeding or parking tickets) are not required for disclosure.

Have you ever received probation or community supervision for any federal, state or municipal criminal?

Have you ever been convicted of any criminal offense in a country outside the jurisdiction of the United States?

Volunteer Guidelines

I agree to serve as a volunteer and commit to the following:

1. Adhere to UFB safety regulations pertaining to the volunteer job.

2. Complete assigned tasks and assignments to the best of my ability.

3. Agreed-upon commitments that cannot be met or have to be canceled must provide adequate notice so alternative arrangements can be made is required. No call no shows may not be allowed to volunteer again. 

4. Assume responsibility for obtaining formal parent/guardian consent for participants under the age of 18.

Volunteer Provisions

1. Volunteers are bound and shall comply with all provisions of this agreement and the instructions by this agreement, and the policies of the UFB.

2. Care shall be always exercised to protect the confidentiality of all clients and volunteers of the UFB.

3. I understand that non-compliance of these guidelines and provisions for volunteering may lead to my dismissal from being able to volunteer with the UFB again.

4. Volunteer hours vary as well as availability to be scheduled and are decided upon by UFB staff.

5. The UFB and its officers, employees, and agents shall not be held liable for any death, injury, or property damage claims arising from volunteer work. If any claim arises out of forgoing, the organization/volunteer shall defend, indemnify, and save harmless to the UFB and its officers, employees, and agents from the same.

6. This agreement shall be canceled by the United Food Bank and Services for nonconformance with the agreement or failure to adhere to the direction given by the UFB.

7. I understand that UFB may take and keep records of photographs, videotapes, and/or interviews featuring me for future use in volunteer-related material I understand that my photo, video and/or quote may be used for the sole purpose of volunteer recruitment, recognition, and publicity. I understand that my photo, video and/or quote may be included in UFB's webpage, social media platforms, in literature distribution to the public or on display units in public areas. I further understand that photographs, videotape, and quotes become the property of the UFB.

8. I realize that my participation is voluntary and that I will receive no compensation.

9. As a volunteer, I am not an employee of the UFB; I understand that I am not covered by Worker's Compensation and that my volunteer agreement may be canceled at any time. If I use my own vehicle for any UFB business, I will maintain a state license and insurance as required by law and provide a copy to the UFB.

Please read the following guidelines that must be abided by:

1. Dress Code: Everyone must wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing that will be deemed accordingly by the UFB Staff. No vulgar images or sayings, no see-through or revealing clothing, no sandals or open-toe shoes, no crocs, no uggs (When handling food) Hair pulled back, and clean hands and nails, use of headphones/airpods are prohibited in the building for safety. *Violating dress code can result in dismissal*.
2. Community Service: Volunteers doing work for community service (probation of any kind) are required to show proof of the charges that were committed. We only allow certain offenses to complete hours here at the UFB. Scheduling for community service is decided upon by the UFB staff.
3. Signing in and out: All volunteers must remember to sign in and out every time they volunteer. Tracking all volunteer hours is pivotal in our operation.
4. Dismissal: Fighting foul language, harassment of any kind, taunting or disrespecting one another or staff as well as aggression will not be tolerated. Our rules and regulations are put in place to protect our volunteers, clients, and staff, any actions going against our rules and regulations will be grounds for dismissal at UFB staff discretion.
5. Electronics: Cell phones are allowed in the building, but we ask that they are used at a minimum and only if needed. Music playing from my device and headphone usage will not be allowed. Phone usage is not allowed while working on the distribution line. No photos shall be taken inside UFB unless given permission by UFB staff.
6. Scheduling times to volunteer: All volunteer times must be scheduled in advance. It is important to call or stop into schedule and to check availability. UFB has the right to cancel any volunteer slots that have been previously scheduled.
7. Smoking Policy: Smoking is prohibited on United Food Bank property. 
8. Miscellaneous: You are required to let us know of any physical restrictions or injuries that limit your ability to perform as a volunteer. We also need to know of any illnesses that might be of concern while you are here. If you are sick, we ask that volunteers remain home and cancel their volunteer shift. All volunteers must abide by our food regulations of abiding by all USDA rules. When handling food products, one must wear gloves and continue to remember to wash hands while working.

Policy on sexual and racial harassment:

This organization will not tolerate any harassment that degrades or shows hostility towards an individual because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability, including, but not limited to slurs, jokes, verbal abuse, stereotyping, threats, intimidation, hostile acts, or denigration or hostile written or graphic material circulated or posted in the premises. Anyone who violates these guidelines will be asked to leave the premises. Anyone subjected to any type of harassment whatsoever should immediately contact the director and the matter will be completely and thoroughly investigated.

1) Sexual Harassment is generally defined as any unwanted physical, verbal or visual sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other sexually oriented conduct, which is offensive or objectionable to the recipient, including, but not limited to epithets: derogatory or suggestive comments (e.g., about an individual body or person), slurs or gestures; and offensive posters, cartoons, pictures or drawings.

2) Management at all levels is responsible for reporting and taking corrective action to prevent harassment.

3) Anyone who has a complaint of sexual harassment by anyone involving this organization, including volunteers, associates, or visitors, should report the alleged act immediately, and without fear of reprisal, to the organization's director.

4) An investigation of all the complaints will be undertaken promptly, giving due regard to the need for confidentiality.

5) Anyone who has been found by this organization, after an appropriate investigation, to have harassed any employee, volunteer or visitor is in violation of this policy will be asked to leave and not return.

The following conduct can be as serious (or even more serious) than the harassment itself: Ignoring or concealing harassment or treating it as a joke. Failing to report known harassment. Retaliating against anyone reporting or complaining of harassment. Being dishonest or refusing to cooperate with a harassment investigation. Violation is subject to discipline under paragraph 5 above. We trust that all associates of the organization will continue to act responsibly in a business-like manner to ensure a pleasant environment free of harassment and discrimination.

I have read and understand the company policy on sexual and racial harassment.

Liability Waiver

 I agree, as a volunteer of the United Food Bank and Services, 702 E. Alsobrook Street, Plant City, FL 33563, I do not and will not hold the aforementioned party or representatives responsible for any injury or loss incurred on or off the premises relating to the Food Bank or its operation.