Volunteer And Make An Impact On The Lives Of Your Neighbors.
We welcome donations of time, passion and heart.
We are so pleased you are considering becoming a volunteer with Center for Food Action.
Here are the answers to a few common questions:
What is CFA?
Center for Food Action, founded in 1976, is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization that provides emergency services to northern New Jersey’s poorest and most vulnerable residents. CFA provides groceries, housing, utility, and heating assistance and offers counseling and advocacy services to low-income individuals and families. CFA is headquartered in Englewood and has sites in Hackensack, Mahwah, Saddle Brook and Ringwood. In 2014, at the request of Bergen Community College, CFA opened a site on BCC’s Paramus campus in order to serve low-income students and their families.
What is required to become a volunteer?
- All on-site volunteers must be at least 16 years old (no exceptions)
- Everyone must be vaccinated and provide documentation
- Most shifts require the ability to lift 25 pounds (not administrative positions and not all warehouse shifts)
- All shifts (except administrative) are exposed to the elements
What do volunteers at CFA do?
Volunteer positions include outdoor food distribution, packing emergency food boxes, working in the organic garden, general warehouse work and administrative tasks.
Food Distribution:
- Monday through Friday mornings
- Outdoors in Englewood, Hackensack and Saddle Brook
- Shift times vary at each location
- Mahwah volunteer needs are minimal
Packing Food Boxes:
- Saddle Brook warehouse only
- Doors are open in all weather
- Monday through Friday from 12 noon – 2 pm
General Warehouse Work:
- Saddle Brook warehouse only
- Doors are open in all weather
- Monday through Friday from 12 noon – 2 pm
Administrative Tasks:
- Available at each site depending on need
- Positions include computer-based scheduling, mailings, answering phones and more
Englewood Organic Garden
- Growing season is generally March through November
- Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9-12, depending on weather
Are there opportunities for children?
- The Englewood Organic Garden provides opportunities for children younger than 16.
- Younger than 12 needs to be accompanied by a parent
- Twice per year we have off-site packing events where children
are welcome!
Are there opportunities for corporate groups?
- For over 47 years we have partnered with local businesses and corporate groups
- Opportunities include hosting food drives or collecting food and funds
- Group opportunities in the warehouses are limited to 6 vaccinated volunteers
- We kindly ask for a $1,000 donation for a 2 hour event
How do I become a volunteer?
- Please fill out the volunteer application at https://cfanj.salsalabs
.org/volunteer/index.html - Or call Valerie Anderson at 201 569-1804 x15
