Launched in May 2009, Second Harvest Foodbank's FoodShare Outreach Program:
• Increases eligible families' food budgets to access nutritious foods that accommodate their personal tastes and cultural preferences.
• Assists emergency food providers who are struggling to keep up with the demand for food assistance.
• Economically boosts businesses and farmers as FoodShare dollars are spent in local communities. The USDA estimates every $5 of FoodShare benefits spent generate $9.20 in economic activity.
The program is promoted through a Second Harvest volunteer-staffed, toll-free FoodShare Helpline.
Callers are pre-screened for FoodShare eligibility, encouraged to apply for FoodShare benefits, and referred to sites throughout our 16-county service area for one-on-one application assistance from our new FoodShare Outreach team.
This program is possible through a partnership with the Madison Community Foundation; the State of Wisconsin, Department of Health Services; Feeding America; and matching funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service.
Clocking an average of 3,000 hours per month, volunteers keep Second Harvest's mission on track. They're always in need of volunteers to fill a variety of roles but we're making a special request to fill three roles.
1. FoodShare Helpline Volunteers
Friendly, compassionate volunteers are needed to pre-screen callers for eligibility, encourage them to apply for FoodShare benefits, and refer them to sites for application assistance. Volunteers also address general FoodShare questions, such as what items can be purchased with FoodShare and at which stores the benefits can be redeemed.
Training is provided and FoodShare Outreach staff help answer in-depth questions.
Select the two-hour shifts that work for you:
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Tuesday and Thursday: 3-7 p.m.
- Saturday (1st & 3rd of each month): 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
2. Volunteer Receptionist
Volunteer receptionists will answer incoming calls on a multiple-line phone system, greet and direct visitors, accept incoming food donations, and assist administrative staff with projects. A four-hour per week commitment is ideal. Hours are Monday- Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
3. Volunteer Driver
Volunteer drivers are needed to pick up local business donations and deliver them to Second Harvest, and also make deliveries to local agencies. This will include loading and unloading of the truck. A one day per month commitment is ideal. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sound like a lot to learn? Don't worry! Training will be provided and you can count on staff to help with tougher questions.
Call Tanya Payne, Volunteer Services Manager, at 608-223-9121, x114 or view a complete list of available volunteer opportunities with Second Harvest Foodbank here: https://volunteer.united-e-way.org/uwdc/org/opp.aspx?agency_id=220830 | 
Active Jun 22, 2009 to Aug 14, 2009