Volunteer: Magnet at Second Harvest Foodbank

Join the fight against hunger by volunteering with Magnet at the Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.

Magnet volunteers will learn firsthand how donations are organized and prepared to be shared with partners and the community. Volunteers will be sorting, labeling, and packaging food into family-friendly portions. Food is one of the most basic human needs, and yet thousands of people in southwestern Wisconsin don't know where their next meal is coming from. In fact, 1 in 5 children in Southwestern Wisconsin face hunger. Every helping hand counts, so sign up now to dedicate your time and show your support to Second Harvest Foodbank as they make huge strides in the fight against hunger!

Second Harvest serves nearly 141,000 people who struggle with hunger each year; 43% of whom are children. It’s committed to ending hunger in 16 southwestern Wisconsin counties through food distribution, increasing participation in public and private food programs, and mobilizing the public. Last year Second Harvest Foodbank, together with its more than 225 partner agencies and programs, provided 12.6 million meals to community members facing hunger.

Special Note: Volunteers must wear closed toe shoes. 

Limited to 8 spots - so sign up now to reserve your spot!

Additional Volunteer information:

Please take the time to carefully review and share the information below so you will be prepared for your volunteer shift:

• If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, or have been exposed to anyone with these symptoms, PLEASE STAY HOME: fever, sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath, or fatigue. Now is the time for the cautious choice.

• I have attached a copy of the “Second Harvest COVID-19 Protocols”, “Feeding America COVID Food Safety Practices”, and our “Temperature Screening Policy”.

• Volunteers must be 12 years old and above to participate. Volunteers 12-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. To ensure safety and fairness, this policy is not flexible.

• Please allow time to park and enter the building a few minutes early so you’ll have time to check in and wash your hands before the project begins.

• You will be able to park in the lot at Second Harvest Foodbank (2802 Dairy Drive) and enter the lobby through the front entrance.

• You will be greeted by a Second Harvest staff member and be asked to sign in/out. It is critical that you do not bring extra people with you to volunteer unless they, too, have signed up to volunteer. We must maintain safe distancing between all participants.

• Remember, distancing starts from the very beginning. As volunteers begin to congregate for the shift, please spread out and be patient while the Shift Leads get volunteers started – sometimes a few at a time.

• The projects are set up to ensure proper distancing. Please remember that it will take all of us, working together, to form the new habit of staying at least 6 feet apart. Feel free to kindly remind your fellow volunteers to be careful and to talk with the Shift Leader if you have any concerns.

• Whenever possible, we have a bottle of hand sanitizer available at the check in point. If you would like hand sanitizer at your work station, you are welcome to bring your own. Please also remember that the restrooms and a hand washing sink are available for hand washing before, during, and after the shift.

• All materials necessary for food safety will be provided. Though not necessary for food safety, you are required to wear a face mask. We do have fabric face masks that have been made and donated by volunteers. These masks are available to you, while supplies last.

• Please dress for your comfort remembering that closed-toe shoes are a must. Also, most jewelry needs to be removed including earrings and all visible piercings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, etc., before your shift begins. Rings do not need to be removed because they will be under a disposable glove. (Food safety must come first!) Please refer to the attachment for examples.

• There will not be a secure place to store your purse, bag, or backpack so these items are best left in your vehicle.

• Bottled water will be available, while supplies last. You are encouraged to bring your own water bottle that has been labeled, in advance, with your name.

• Together, We are Providing an Essential Service

As expected, because Second Harvest is vital to the supply chain for procurement of and food distribution in our 16-county service area, we, our partner agency food pantries, and volunteers are considered essential. This means that we may keep our operations going which will keep our communities fed during this critical time.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Thank you so very much for helping our neighbors in need.