How to Schedule
We offer flexible times for groups wanting to volunteer. Most groups volunteer anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours. If you want to stay longer or shorter, we are happy to accommodate you. We ask that those who choose to volunteer do so for a minimum of one hour.
Groups with young children might consider only staying for one hour, and we require one adult in attendance for every child under the age of 16.
Schedule by VolunteerHub
General group volunteer hours for Summer '23 are:
Tuesday-Thursday, from 2:00-4:00pm
& Tuesday, Wednesday, from 6:00-8:00pm
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Maura McNamara
Volunteer Opportunities
Projects will be determined by our needs and your group’s size and abilities. Based on the fast-paced nature of the NEIFB, we can’t confirm what your project will be until a week before your scheduled volunteer time. Your project may be subject to change at any time.
Assorted Boxes
Volunteers will take canned goods and put them into boxes to be distributed to our partner agencies.
BackPacks
Volunteers will help us assemble bags of food for schools to put in children's backpacks, so that they have something to eat over the weekend.
Garden (Seasonal)
Volunteers will help weed, plant, harvest, and other assorted projects in the garden. Everything grown is used in our on-site pantry. Groups assigned to the garden will be notified ahead of time, so they can dress appropriately.
Produce Sorting
Volunteers will help inspect bulk produce and repackage it into smaller boxes or bags in order to make it easier to distribute.
Perishables Pantry
Fridays from 9:00AM-12:00PM, volunteers will hand out fresh produce and perishable grocery products to clients at the Cedar Valley Food Pantry.
Pulling Orders
Volunteers will help us assemble warehouse orders and prepare them for distribution to our partner agencies.
Repacking Project
Volunteers will help us repack items we have received in bulk sizes. Some of our product requires it to be less than 30 °F to repack. Groups will be notified ahead of time to dress for colder temperatures. We will provide gloves.
Senior Boxes
Every 2nd Saturday of the Month from 9:00am - 11:00am, volunteers will pack and assemble boxes of food for delivery to senior citizens.
Sorting Donations
Volunteers will sort through a variety of non-perishable donations, assuring their quality and sorting them by product type.
Special Events
We have several special events throughout the year which help us raise money, collect food, or distribute food. Volunteer assignments depend on the nature of these events. Keep an eye out for emails and follow our Facebook page for updates on these events!
Volunteer Leadership Checklist
- Schedule your time and number of volunteers - a rough estimate is acceptable. You can do this by contacting the Group Volunteer Coordinator or filling out an application on our website.
- Have a signup sheet or other way to keep count of the number of volunteers.
- Make sure your participants know all of the clothing requirements for the project.
- About a week out, please email or call with the official count of people volunteering. All group volunteer projects take place at our facility at 1605 Lafayette Street, Waterloo, IA 50703.
- Please park in the main parking lot unless directed otherwise.
- If you are volunteering before 4:30pm on a weekday, please come in through our main entrance.
- If you are volunteering after 4:30pm or on a Saturday, please enter through the Volunteer Entrance.