Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes got its start in several downtown Kalamazoo congregations in the early 1980’s. A group of individuals recognized that their neighbors were struggling to put food on the table so they took up the charge to fill the food gap. What they didn’t know at the time is that their initiative to lend a hand would have a profound impact on our community. Today, those efforts have grown into an organization that provides an average of 700 people with groceries each day.

Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes is a 'Food Bank Plus.' This means that they acquire food through donations and their pennies-on-the-pound purchasing power, and distribute food at 77 distribution sites throughout Kalamazoo County via their five food programs.

ADDRESS: 901 Portage St Kalamazoo , MI 49001
CONTACT: Ray Kuerth - ray@kzoolf.org
WEBSITE: kzoolf.org
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Call Center Phone Team Volunteers

Call center volunteers answer calls from clients and record information in our computer database. Some knowledge of Kalamazoo County is helpful but not necessary. Commitment to a particular day and time is required. Available shifts are Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 11:00am (busiest) and 11:00am – 1:00pm. These volunteers must pass a criminal background check and all training is provided.

Grocery Pantry Direct Service

Pantry direct service volunteers work in one or more of our Grocery Pantry sites. Volunteers are asked to help clients shop for groceries and adhere to our pantry’s food point system. This position does require some lifting and a commitment to a particular day or evening shift.

Pantry Stocker

Stockers work in one or more of our Grocery Pantry sites to ensure that the pantry shelves are stocked for upcoming distribution times. This position requires bending, lifting, stooping, etc.

Warehouse Work

Warehouse workers assist staff in sorting, organizing, and redistributing food donations. All work in our warehouse requires bending, stooping, and lifting. Some of these positions may require the ability to lift 35-50 pounds at a time.

Warehouse work positions:

Receiver: Receivers greet persons who bring in donations and assist with loading and unloading food to and from vehicles, weigh donations, complete necessary paperwork, and perform other duties as assigned.

Gleaner: Gleaners drive their personal vehicles to local partners and pick up donations. They are then asked to transport those donations back to KLF.

Picker: Pickers fulfill food orders and build pallets with non-perishable food for delivery to our pantry system. This position requires lifting, bending, stooping, and other physical activities.

Just in time Assistants (Seasonal): Just in time assistants are asked to help deliver fresh produce to pantry sites. This takes place during the summer when produce donations increase.

Warehouse Driver

Drivers assist the warehouse in food pickups and deliveries. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license, good driving record, pass a criminal background check, and have no health conditions that would prevent DOT certification. This position also requires bending, stooping, and lifting.

Receptionist

Receptionists create a positive and welcoming environment for anyone who walks into or calls our main office. Anyone in this position is asked to answer incoming phone calls, transfer needed phone calls to the appropriate contact and assist with small projects that may be requested by staff. All receptionists must pass a criminal background check and are asked to commit to a weekly shift for 2-3 month periods. A shift in this position will take place from 8:00am – 12:00pm or 12:00pm – 4:00pm during the work week. We are currently seeking receptionists for Wednesday morning, Thursday afternoon, and Friday afternoon.

Newsletter and Mailings

Volunteers in this position may be asked to stuff, label, and stamp envelopes for newsletters and other mailings. This position takes place on a bi-monthly basis.

Special Events

Assist with events (one time or annually). Events may include fundraisers, food drives, or information fairs. Information fairs are designed to provide information about KLF’s programs and resources for potential clients and supporters of KLF.

Education and Advocacy

Volunteers who are interested in education and advocacy will receive emails that help advocate for a hunger-free community through legislation. The intention of these emails is it influence local, state, and national policy to strengthen local food security.

DISCLAIMER FOR ALL POSITIONS:

Volunteers under the age of 18 must have consent to volunteer from a legal guardian. Anyone under the age of 15 must have a guardian present while volunteering. Anyone under the age of 10 is generally discouraged for most volunteer opportunities through our organization. There are however occasional exceptions for young children.