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Food Rescue
The Uniting Food Rescue program helps feed and nourish some of the most vulnerable people in our community by diverting unsold fresh food from landfill to the kitchens of homelessness services around Perth.
Food Rescue, a volunteer-driven social initiative by Uniting, plays a crucial role in addressing food waste and hunger in Western Australia. This innovative program focuses on diverting edible food from landfill, redirecting it instead to nourish people experiencing homelessness. As a volunteer for Uniting Food Rescue, you're not just contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing food waste, but also directly impacting the lives of those in need.
Volunteering with us is an excellent opportunity to be physically active and engage in the community. You'll be involved in various activities, such as collecting surplus food from donors, sorting and packaging food items, and distributing them to those who need them most. It's a chance to be part of a team that brings tangible, positive change to individuals and the community. By joining Food Rescue, you help create a healthier environment and provide essential support to vulnerable individuals in our society
Each and every month, our Food Rescue volunteers collect over 3 tonnes of fresh food to make more than 8,000 meals. That’s more than 100,000 nutritious meals every year for vulnerable people in our community.
By volunteering with Food Rescue, you can make a positive difference in people’s lives. And it’s a great opportunity for team building and promoting your organisation’s social responsibility.
Why volunteer at Food Rescue
Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering with us. With your help, we can go further for the people we support. Joining our team is a great way for you to make a positive difference
"It’s a great way of being occupied after retirement! Gives me a satisfaction
I’m giving my community a bit of me!
Have made many new acquaintances
To keep a healthy physical balance there’s tennis and golf !"
All work and no play makes for a dull day!
David Smith Food Rescue
Volunteering opportunities at Food Rescue
Food Bank Assistant based in Yanchep and Two Rocks
About the opportunity
Uniting WA, in collaboration with Foodbank, is delighted to extend its support to individuals in the Yanchep and Two Rocks area through the Mobile Foodbank initiative.
This service offers a variety of food choices, with frozen meat packs and fruit & vegetable bags being particularly popular among the community.
The Mobile Foodbank truck is conveniently located at the Yanchep Community Men’s Shed every Tuesday from 9.30am to 10.30am, and it also serves the Two Rocks area,11.00am - 12.00pm.
Who are we looking for
We are currently on the lookout for local residents who can bring their unique blend of organisation and friendliness to our team. Ideal candidates are those who are not only well-organised, adept at planning and coordinating tasks, but also possess a warm, approachable demeanour. We believe that a combination of these qualities is key to creating a positive and efficient environment for everyone involved
In joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in your local area. Whether it’s through direct interaction with community members or behind-the-scenes organisational work, your contributions will be crucial to our mission. If you are a local resident with these qualities and a desire to contribute positively to your community, we would love to hear from you
Tasks
To enhance the support we offer to new clients, particularly in navigating the referral process, we are committed to providing comprehensive assistance at every step. This initiative is designed to ensure that accessing our services is as smooth and straightforward as possible for those who need them.
Our approach to assisting new clients includes:
Personalised Guidance: Each new client will receive one-on-one support to understand the referral process. Our dedicated team members will explain the necessary steps, required documentation, and eligibility criteria in a clear and concise manner.
Simplifying Paperwork: Understanding that paperwork can be daunting, we aim to simplify this process. We'll help clients fill out forms, gather necessary documents, and ensure that all submissions are complete and accurate.
- Our aim is to make the referral process as user-friendly and accessible as possible, ensuring that new clients feel welcomed, informed, and supported from their very first interaction with us.
Hours
Tuesdays 9.30 - 12.30 covering both locations at Yanchep and Two Rocks
Requirements
A commitment to completing training requirements (including e-learning) is required for the role. Role specific training includes:
- Uniting Induction, orientation and training
- Safe Food Handling
- Manual Handling
Volunteering with Uniting is subject to completing the relevant role specific training and satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check and Reference Checks. (Police Clearance applications can be organised by Uniting)
Food Cart
About the opportunity
The Food Rescue Carts project is an initiative by UnitngWA to provide fresh food to people experiencing homelessness in Perth. Each Friday, two hand-pushed Carts do the rounds of the Perth CBD with our volunteers collecting fresh, unsold food such as sandwiches, wraps and rolls from participating cafes.
The food is then collected by the Food Rescue van and distributed to homelessness support services, including our own Tranby Centre and Family Foundations program in East Perth. We also provide food to other local not for profit organisations who might benefit from the donation of extra food.
The rotational roster for volunteers involves shift lengths of approximately 2 hours (2.15pm to 4.15pm).
Who are we looking for
We are looking for people with a good level of fitness and a few extra hours to spare each week. The role requires friendly approachable volunteers who are passionate about food redistribution and reducing food waste.
Tasks
Collecting food from the partner cafes using the food cart. The food is kept in a cool box and then stored awaiting pick up from the Food Rescue Drivers.
Hours
Fridays 2.15pm - 4.15pm in Perth CBD
Requirements
A commitment to completing training requirements (including e-learning) is required for the role. Role specific training includes:
- Uniting Induction, orientation and training
- Safe Food Handling
- Manual Handling
Volunteering with Uniting is subject to completing the relevant role specific training and satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check and Reference Checks. (Police Clearance applications can be organised by Uniting)
Driver - Wednesdays
About the opportunity
As a Food Rescue Driver, either independently or teamed up with a partner, you'll play a crucial role in collecting surplus, near-expiry, or donated food items from local supermarkets and cafes. Your responsibilities include carefully loading these items onto the food rescue van, adhering to strict food safety protocols to ensure the quality and safety of the food.
Once collected, you'll then transport these vital resources to locations such as the Tranby Homeless Hub and Family Foundations. Upon arrival, you may also assist the staff in unloading the van, meticulously sorting through the food items, and methodically recording the details of the delivered products.
This role is not only about transportation but also about ensuring that the food reaches those who need it most in a condition that's safe and beneficial. Your contribution as a Food Rescue Driver is integral to our mission of supporting the community and reducing food waste
Who are we looking for
Ideally we are looking for an experienced driver who is passionate about food rescue. We ask that you held a current and valid C Class Driver's Licence for at least 3 years. As an ambassador for Uniting you will be driving our van to facilitate the redistribution of good quality surplus food and delivering it to our homeless hub in Perth.
Our drivers should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and have an energetic, positive and proactive approach to their volunteering. Ability to work alongside volunteers and staff.
Good knowledge of the Perth metropolitan area would be an advantage
Tasks
Using the Food Rescue van you will go to pre designation destinations to pick up donated food,
Hours
Wednesday 9.30 - 12.00
Requirements
A commitment to completing training requirements (including e-learning) is required for the role. Role specific training includes:
- Uniting Induction, orientation and training
- Volunteering with Uniting is subject to completing the relevant role specific training and satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check and Reference Checks. (Police Clearance applications can be organised by Uniting)
Driver Friday
About the opportunity
As a Food Rescue Driver, either independently or teamed up with a partner, you'll play a crucial role in collecting surplus, near-expiry, or donated food items from local supermarkets and cafes. Your responsibilities include carefully loading these items onto the food rescue van, adhering to strict food safety protocols to ensure the quality and safety of the food.
Once collected, you'll then transport these vital resources to locations such as the Tranby Homeless Hub and Family Foundations. Upon arrival, you may also assist the staff in unloading the van, meticulously sorting through the food items, and methodically recording the details of the delivered products.
This role is not only about transportation but also about ensuring that the food reaches those who need it most in a condition that's safe and beneficial. Your contribution as a Food Rescue Driver is integral to our mission of supporting the community and reducing food waste
Who are we looking for
Ideally we are looking for an experienced driver who is passionate about food rescue. We ask that you held a current and valid C Class Driver's Licence for at least 3 years. As an ambassador for Uniting you will be driving our van to facilitate the redistribution of good quality surplus food and delivering it to our homeless hub in Perth.
Our drivers should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and have an energetic, positive and proactive approach to their volunteering. Ability to work alongside volunteers and staff.
Good knowledge of the Perth metropolitan area would be an advantage
Tasks
Using the Food Rescue van you will go to pre designation destinations to pick up donated food,
Hours
Friday 9.00 - 11.00
Requirements
A commitment to completing training requirements (including e-learning) is required for the role. Role specific training includes:
- Uniting Induction, orientation and training
- Volunteering with Uniting is subject to completing the relevant role specific training and satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check and Reference Checks. (Police Clearance applications can be organised by Uniting)
Driver daily Monday to Friday
About the opportunity
As a Food Rescue Driver, either independently or teamed up with a partner, you'll play a crucial role in collecting surplus, near-expiry, or donated food items from local supermarkets and cafes. Your responsibilities include carefully loading these items onto the food rescue van, adhering to strict food safety protocols to ensure the quality and safety of the food.
Once collected, you'll then transport these vital resources to locations such as the Tranby Homeless Hub and Family Foundations. Upon arrival, you may also assist the staff in unloading the van, meticulously sorting through the food items, and methodically recording the details of the delivered products.
This role is not only about transportation but also about ensuring that the food reaches those who need it most in a condition that's safe and beneficial. Your contribution as a Food Rescue Driver is integral to our mission of supporting the community and reducing food waste
Who are we looking for
Ideally we are looking for an experienced driver who is passionate about food rescue. We ask that you held a current and valid C Class Driver's Licence for at least 3 years. As an ambassador for Uniting you will be driving our van to facilitate the redistribution of good quality surplus food and delivering it to our homeless hub in Perth.
Our drivers should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and have an energetic, positive and proactive approach to their volunteering. Ability to work alongside volunteers and staff.
Good knowledge of the Perth metropolitan area would be an advantage
Tasks
Using the Food Rescue van you will go to pre designation destinations to pick up donated food,
Hours
Monday to Friday 2.00pm - 4.30pm
Requirements
A commitment to completing training requirements (including e-learning) is required for the role. Role specific training includes:
- Uniting Induction, orientation and training
- Volunteering with Uniting is subject to completing the relevant role specific training and satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check and Reference Checks. (Police Clearance applications can be organised by Uniting)
Food pick up Saturday
About the opportunity
As a Food Rescue Driver, either independently or teamed up with a partner, you'll play a crucial role in collecting surplus, near-expiry, or donated food items from local supermarkets and cafes. Your responsibilities include carefully loading these items onto the food rescue van, adhering to strict food safety protocols to ensure the quality and safety of the food.
Once collected, you'll then transport these vital resources to locations such as the Tranby Homeless Hub and Family Foundations. Upon arrival, you may also assist the staff in unloading the van, meticulously sorting through the food items, and methodically recording the details of the delivered products.
This role is not only about transportation but also about ensuring that the food reaches those who need it most in a condition that's safe and beneficial. Your contribution as a Food Rescue Driver is integral to our mission of supporting the community and reducing food waste
Who are we looking for
Ideally we are looking for an experienced driver who is passionate about food rescue. We ask that you held a current and valid C Class Driver's Licence for at least 3 years. As an ambassador for Uniting you will be driving our van to facilitate the redistribution of good quality surplus food and delivering it to our homeless hub in Perth.
Our drivers should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and have an energetic, positive and proactive approach to their volunteering. Ability to work alongside volunteers and staff.
Good knowledge of the Perth metropolitan area would be an advantage
Tasks
Using the Food Rescue van you will go to pre designation destinations to pick up donated food,
Hours
Saturday AM
Requirements
A commitment to completing training requirements (including e-learning) is required for the role. Role specific training includes:
- Uniting Induction, orientation and training
- Volunteering with Uniting is subject to completing the relevant role specific training and satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check and Reference Checks. (Police Clearance applications can be organised by Uniting)
