The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) or “Senior Food Boxes” – as we call it - supports the nutritional needs of low-income individuals by providing wholesome food to supplement their diet, while helping stretch their food dollars. The population served by CSFP is low-income seniors at least 60 years of age who are at risk of and vulnerable to malnutrition. We pack almost 3,000 boxes the second week of each month, which are delivered across our 25-county service area to vulnerable seniors who need our help.
All volunteers should create an account on the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank volunteer website https://brafb.volunteerhub.com/ . Volunteer opportunities are posted on this website. Make sure to look at the Charlottesville area events. Contact Colleen Berger at cberger@brafb.org for any issues or questions.
Due to the large scale nature of this project, we need 12-15 volunteers per shift, and we love having groups! It makes for a great tangible, team-building activity that connects you to the community you live and work in. We would love to have your group help with this project on a monthly basis as well if you find you enjoy the work. Feel free to contact Colleen Berger at cberger@brafb.org to inquire about group volunteers.
Shifts Available:
Monday 1pm-3:30pm
Tuesday 9am-11:30am
1pm-3:30pm
Wednesday 9am-11:30am
1pm-3:30pm
Thursday 9am-11:30am
1pm-3:30pm
Friday 9am-11:30am
As part of an assembly-line effort, volunteers will help by: packing boxes with food items, keeping the packing area stocked with the correct foods, inserting nutrition information in the boxes, labeling, sealing, and stacking boxes on pallets, and breaking down empty packaging. Each box contains nutrient-rich food that helps improve the overall health status of these individuals - such as a variety of canned items (e.g., fruit, vegetables, meat or fish), bottled juice, shelf-stable and instant dry milk, cheese, pasta or rice, dry beans or peanut butter and cereal.
There are a few special considerations with this project. Due to the nature of the work and the safety of our volunteers and employees, good mobility is an important requirement for this position, as is the ability to lift 30-40 pounds when needed. Senior Food Box Program volunteers do a lot of bending and reaching, and are on their feet for most of the shift. Closed-toe shoes are required at all times.
