FOOD: Organize​/Set Up Community Market

FOOD:
Organize/Set Up a Community Market

Get ready to move fast. Porchlight Community Services rescues thousands of pounds of food each week and redistributes it through a grocery‑style, “client‑choice” FoodSHARE program. Volunteers help make this possible by setting up our community market and managing the food wall hydroponic garden while dehydrating produce in a fast‑paced environment.

• Unload, organize, and store incoming food deliveries quickly, ensuring perishables are put away within 20 minutes.
• Set up food stations, display rescued high‑quality food, and organize non‑perishables with clear labeling for participants.
• Prepare designated areas for participants with allergies or special dietary needs.
• Assist with loading/unloading donations and maintain the hydroponic garden, dehydrate produce, and perform light handyman tasks such as hanging shelves, patching walls, and general maintenance.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly workspace throughout setup.
• Verify long‑term inventory, check expiration dates, and adjust priorities on the fly to keep the market running smoothly.

• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, physically demanding environment.
• Able to lift and carry up to 35 pounds repeatedly.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Quick problem‑solver who can adjust priorities as needed.
• Can maintain speed and efficiency while handling food/perishables safely.
• No prior experience required—just energy, focus, and willingness to work hard.

Training Provided: On‑site training will be given at the beginning of the shift.

Attire: Closed‑toe shoes are required for safety. Wear comfortable clothing that may become dirty. Hair must be pulled back.

Physical Requirements: Able to lift and carry up to 35 pounds repeatedly. You will be standing and moving most of the shift. Accommodations can be made for physical limitations, e.g., sitting down during the shift for certain tasks. The project space is wheelchair accessible, but medical limitations cannot be accommodated during event setups.

Notes: Signing up as a team has been disabled for this project. Due to the small size of the shift, volunteers must sign up individually; groups cannot be accommodated. Volunteers must be fully registered through Hands On San Diego to attend. Please give at least 12 hours notice if you cannot attend. Attendance is verified on event days; paperwork cannot be signed off during the event, so allow 24 hours for processing.

The mission of the Porchlight Cooperative is to relieve hunger, eliminate waste, and increase the self‑sufficiency of individuals in low‑income communities and those with health‑based concerns.

Please complete the signup questionnaire at the time you register.