Community Pantry Collection Volunteer - Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre

This role is advertised by Volunteer West, the volunteer resource centre of Australian Multicultural Community Services on behalf of Louis Joel Arts & Community.

Organisation description:

Gather & Grow Community Pantry is a food security program operated by Louis Joel Arts & Community, a neighbourhood house and registered charity based in Altona. The pantry supports individuals and families experiencing food insecurity by providing access to fresh food and pantry items in a welcoming and dignified environment.

The program aims to ensure consistent, reliable, and healthy food access for members of the local community experiencing disadvantage.

Position description:

Community Pantry Collection Volunteers play an important role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the Gather & Grow Community Pantry.

Volunteers collect donated food from local retailers, community collection points, and wholesale businesses across the Altona and Hobsons Bay area. This role helps ensure food donations are safely collected, sorted, and made available to community members who need them most.

Tasks may include:

• Collecting donated food from retailers, community collection points, and wholesale businesses.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with food donors and community partners.
• Assisting with sorting, storing, and recording food donations.
• Checking that donated food is within best-before dates and suitable for distribution.
• Storing food safely and assisting with stock rotation using the First In, First Out (FIFO) method.
• Supporting the smooth operation of the Community Pantry.

Volunteers may be interested in:

• Making a meaningful contribution to local food security.
• Supporting individuals and families experiencing hardship.
• Building connections with local businesses and community organisations.
• Developing practical skills in food relief and community services.
• Working as part of a friendly and supportive volunteer team.

Location:

5 Sargood Street, Altona

Skills required:

• Friendly, approachable, and respectful manner.
• Reliable, organised, and able to work independently.
• Good communication skills and ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Physically capable of lifting and carrying light food items.
• Commitment to supporting the local community.

Time required:

• Approximately 2 hours per week.
• Collections take place on Tuesdays or Thursdays, with collection times determined by participating retailers.

Commitment required:

Minimum 6 months

Other requirements:

• Current driver's licence.
• Reliable vehicle.

Benefits from this role:

Volunteers will:

• Make a meaningful contribution to the local community.
• Gain valuable experience in food relief, community services, and volunteer engagement.
• Develop teamwork, communication, and customer service skills.
• Be part of a friendly, supportive, and inclusive volunteer team.
• Build confidence and practical workplace skills.
• Have volunteer hours verified and signed off where required.