Volunteer Guidelines

Our Seattle volunteer sessions are fun, rewarding, and inclusive! Because Food Lifeline is an industrial food-handling facility, we have a few guidelines in place to ensure everyone’s safety and success. For full details, please check out our Volunteer Handbook.

Before your shift

• Register in advance. Everyone needs their own account, kids included.
• Volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form.
• Youth ages 10 to 15 need a parent, guardian, or chaperone (18+) with them and taking part the whole time, with at least one adult for every five youth.
• Volunteers 16 and 17 are welcome to volunteer on their own.
• Please reschedule if you are feeling unwell. It keeps our staff and other volunteers healthy too.
• Leave valuables at home. Food, drinks, earphones, backpacks, and purses are not allowed in the warehouse, but we have lockers and cubbies (without locks) where you can stash your things

What to Wear

• Closed-toe shoes are required, no exceptions.
• Our warehouse runs cool, so dress in warm layers for your comfort.
• We provide food-safe gloves, and sometimes aprons and hairnets, when you are handling food.

During your shift

• Your work is physical and includes long stretches of standing. Please don’t lift anything that feels too heavy or uncomfortable, and let staff know if you need a hand.
• Wash your hands at the start and end of your shift, after using the restroom, and after touching your phone. Swap in fresh gloves each time.
• Plan to take part for the whole session and stay in the volunteer work area. -Tell a staff member if you feel ill, get hurt, or need help.
• Treat everyone around you with courtesy and respect. We want every volunteer, staff member, and visitor to feel welcome.

Getting here

• Arrive 15 minutes early. If you are running late, call (206) 545-6600 to let us know.
• Onsite parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Bringing a bus or oversized vehicle? Give the volunteer team a heads up first.

Questions? Email the volunteer team at volunteer@foodlifeline.org.