Volunteer FAQs

Quick Pointers:

 

What is your address and is there parking? 

Dare to Care food Bank has three locations within Louisville, KY. All locations offer on-site parking. 

Main Distribution Center located at 5803 Fern Valley Rd, Louisville, KY 40228.

Community Kitchen located at 1200 S 28th St, Louisville, KY 40211.

Senior Outreach Warehouse located at 3360 Commerce Center Pl, Louisville, KY 40211*

*The warehouse is located in the Big “A” Shopping Center off Cane Run Road and Algonquin Parkway. If you turn into the center at the Big “A” take the first right, go to the stop sign and take a left. You will need to go to the end of the parking lot towards the flag poles, turn right at the flag poles and come behind the building. We are located directly behind the Northwood Machinery business.

 

Do you accept matching grants from my company for volunteer work? 

Yes! Please take advantage of matching grants or gifts from your employer. If you aren't sure if your company offers this or have further questions please reach out to Andrea at andrea.shepherd@daretocare.org.

 

Can I have student community service-learning hours approved?

Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at avery.werner@daretocare.org for confirmation of verified volunteer hours and provide at least 3 business days for us to complete your request. You must have an account through the Dare to Care volunteer website for us to verify your hours.

 

Do you have weekend and evening opportunities for volunteers? 

We offer one weekend shift the 4th Saturday of the month at our Weekend Drive-up Mobile Pantry at the Main Distribution Center on Fern Valley Rd. 

We do not currently offer evening volunteer opportunities. 

 

Do you offer volunteer opportunities for youth? 

Youth aged 16 + are welcome to participate in any volunteer opportunity on their own. Additional, program specific age guidelines are:

Mobile Pantry

Can be 8+ if accompanied by a guardian; ratio of 5 volunteers under 16 to 1 adult. 

Community Kitchen

Can be 15+ if accompanied by a guardian.

Main Distribution Center

Individual Volunteering: Can be 14+ if accompanied by a guardian

Group Volunteering: Can be 12 + with ratio of 5 volunteers under 16 to 1 adult. 

Senior Outreach Warehouse

Can be 12+ if accompanied by a guardian; ratio of 5 volunteers under 16 to 1 adult.

 

Is there a dress code? What should I wear? 

  • Closed-toe shoes are required. Heels and sandals are not permitted.
  • Shirts should cover the shoulders and armpits (no tank tops).
  • All clothing should be appropriate for handling food and not have loose, dangling beads or other articles which can be a physical contaminant. 
  • We suggest you dress in layers to remain comfortable while working as the temperature can fluctuate.
  • We suggest you wear clothes you don't mind getting a bit dirty.

 

What are the physical demands of each volunteer project?

It is our priority to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all volunteers. Each volunteer opportunity page will list the physical requirements for that project including lifting, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.

We also have special skills volunteer opportunities through our “Volunteer Teams” that can include administrative support, greeting volunteers, supporting community engagement efforts, etc. If you are interested in learning more about our Volunteer Teams or have further questions about accommodations, please reach out to Avery at @avery.werner@daretocare.org.

 

Is there a place to store my belongings while volunteering? 

Each Dare to Care volunteer location has a secured space for you to store your belongings. If you would like to utilize a locker at our Community Kitchen, please plant to bring your own lock. At our mobile pantries, please plan to secure your belongings in your vehicle.

 

Can I receive updates or notifications via text message? 

Yes, you can sign up for text messaging on your profile. These messages are to notify the volunteer of any immediate news or changes to your volunteer shift. 

  1. Log in to your account on the Dare to Care volunteer website.
  2. Click on your initials in the top right-hand corner.
  3. Go to Edit Profile 
  4. Scroll until you see the Mobile number field under Basic Information. 
  5. Check the box beside Send me texts from this site.
  6. Click Update Basic Information at the bottom of the page.
  7. After you update your selection, a text message is sent to confirm your selection.
  8. Reply YES to validate your number and receive text messages! 

 

Should I volunteer if I have food allergies? 

Dare to Care Food Bank asks volunteers with food allergies to use their best judgment in participating in food packing. We cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment and strongly advise that volunteers with severe or life-threatening food allergies refrain from food packing shifts. Since much of the food we pack is donated from various sources, it is possible that the food has been in contact with certain food allergens. If you have further questions, please reach out to Avery at avery.werner@daretocare.org.

 

How can I sign up to volunteer with my group?

Please fill out our Group Volunteer Interest Form and our volunteer team will get back to you as soon as possible (usually within 3 business days). Our team will use the information on your form to identify which opportunities are the best fit for your group! 

 

Do you accept Court Ordered Community Service volunteers?

Yes, Dare to Care Food Bank offers opportunities for individuals to volunteer and fulfill court-appointed service hours. All court-ordered volunteers must be approved by the Volunteer Coordinator prior to signing up for a volunteer opportunity. No hours prior to being approved will count toward needed verification documents. Please see the Court Ordered Volunteering page for next steps. 

 

How do I cancel my volunteer shift? 

You can unregister from any volunteer opportunity through our website, in the same place that you signed up. This is super helpful as it opens up a spot for another person to volunteer with us, and ensures we have all of the volunteer support we need each day.

Please notify us a least one week before your shift as cancellations can have a significant negative impact on our operations. To cancel a shift, please contact us or follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your account on the Dare to Care volunteer website.
  2. Click on your initials in the top right-hand corner.
  3. Choose OPPORTUNITY RESPONSES from the list, you will be brought to your volunteer responses.
  4. Under the OPTIONS column, click on SELECT AN ACTION next to the shift you will change.
  5. Select UNREGISTER, then click YES to confirm. 

 

What are your illness guidelines?

We are committed to protecting the health of our entire community while continuing to meet the critical need for meals for our neighbors. If you or someone in your home has felt ill in the last 24 hours, we request you unregister for your shift and refrain from volunteering at this time: 

If you are in doubt about volunteering with us due to any potential illness (common cold, influenza, COVID or other), we appreciate you staying home and taking care of yourself, and we will welcome you back when you are feeling well. 

Thank you for your help in ensuring our staff and volunteers, as well as the food we distribute, are safe and remain healthy.