Application Form - Central Okanagan Food Bank

Oath of Confidentiality and Release from Liability:

• I understand that the nature of the Central Okanagan Food Bank operation requires confidentiality and I promise under oath that I will keep confidential any and all information that may come my way in the course of my volunteer work with the program, including information about clients, staff, Board members and the Central Okanagan Food Bank in general.

• I hereby release the Central Okanagan Food Bank, its staff, Board members and Directors from any and all liability and/or responsibility for any accidents or injuries that I may sustain while I am performing the duties of a volunteer.  I acknowledge that my agreement to these terms does not nullify my inclusion in the “accident insurance coverage” that the Food Bank subscribes to.

• I further understand that as a volunteer, I am NOT covered under Workers Compensation.

• I understand volunteering is voluntary, and there may be a degree of risk involved with certain tasks.  After careful consideration, I will take all precautions to ensure my own safety.

• I agree to submit to a criminal records check upon request, and that all information supplied in this application form is accurate.

I accept responsibility for my child/dependent’s security and safety and will ensure my child/dependent act responsibly, safely and uphold the Oath of Confidentiality and Release from Liability.

Please note:   The Central Okanagan Community Food Bank reserves the right to decline your volunteer service if your inclusion in the Volunteer Management Program is deemed unsuitable at this time or at any time in the future.   

Volunteer & Partner Agency Code of Conduct & Ethics Policy

All food donated to the Central Okanagan Food Bank is held in trust for registered Food Bank clients in need. The Central Okanagan Food Bank has on-going agreements with donors and food suppliers that would be jeopardized by the mishandling of food donations.  All donations must be brought to the food bank’s donation doors, weighed and recorded prior to distribution.

In order to maintain the integrity of the Central Okanagan Food Bank, it is important to ensure all food items donated to the food bank gets distributed to clients in a fair and respectable manner.  This includes all perishable and non-perishable food items of any value, from any source.

To ensure the Central Okanagan Food Bank’s Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy is carried out by all, volunteers will:

• Treat all those who access food bank services with the utmost dignity and respect.
• Practice proper and safe storage and handling of food.
• Respect the privacy of those served and maintain confidentiality of personal information.

To ensure registered food bank clients facing food insecurity receive the essential amount of food required for their households, effective immediately:

• Any snacks and beverages placed in the volunteer kitchen, by the Volunteer Coordinator, will be available to volunteers during their shift.
• Food is not to be stored in the kitchen refrigerator – unless brought in for lunch by a volunteer.
• Food must not be taken in exchange for volunteering (this includes all food and beverages whether located in the Warehouse, the Sorting Area or the Market).

Due to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Food Banks Canada Safety and Handling Guidelines, and to protect the Food Bank’s Liability Insurance:

• Any and all food items identified as unfit for human consumption and/or placed in bins for animal feed cannot be disbursed or taken by volunteers (frozen or otherwise).

The Central Okanagan Food Bank is sensitive to the knowledge that some volunteers may require food assistance themselves, and in this case will work one on one with the volunteer to discreetly add them to our client database for monthly food hampers. Please discuss this with the Volunteer Coordinator.

Volunteer & Partner Agency Food Policy

All food is distributed to our clients in a fair and equitable manner. Distribution is determined by our Executive team. Please do not vary from this method.

All food in the building has been donated or purchased for client use only. The volunteer kitchen is in place for volunteers to enjoy the food and beverages provided for that day, and additional food items may be placed in the volunteer refrigerator, located within the Sorting Area, daily as available. Please do not help yourself to food outside of these two areas. Breaching these rules will be considered theft and all persons involved will be dismissed immediately. Volunteers may bring their own food items into the kitchen where fridge space is available.

If you work as a volunteer and are also a Food Bank client, please be aware that the role of the Volunteer and the role of the Client are completely separate. Volunteers who are also Clients may not pick up their food hampers on the same day as they are volunteering – unless given approval by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Policies & Procedures

• We periodically take photos or video for use in media messaging (online etc.)
• I understand that it is my responsibility to let Food bank staff know that I DO NOT give consent for use of my photos and/or video or that of my child.

• Handwashing is the number one way to prevent food-borne illness.  All staff, volunteers and service providers must wash hands before shift begins, after eating, drinking, using the restroom or other activities that may soil hands.

• Any person not feeling well (sore throat, fever etc.) will not be permitted to handle food.  Please email (engagement@cofoodbank.com) or call (250) 763-7161 ext. 207 and let us know you aren’t well and won’t be able to volunteer.

• No food or drink of any kind (except for water or coffee/tea, juice in container with lid) is permitted on the distribution, warehouse or sorting floor.  Any spills or improperly disposed of food or drink can contaminate food products and could be attractants for insects, pests and rodents.

• No open toed shoes permitted in the building while on shift.

• Report any spills to staff immediately.  Spill clean ups, including broken glass and food containing allergens must be documented to make sure no other food products are contaminated.

• I have read and understand these practices of the Central Okanagan Food Bank.