Foodlink’s distribution center is in need of volunteers this week in next, in preparation for additional food distributions that will take place the week of Feb. 18-24 in the Rochester area.

The federal government shutdown caused a disruption to thousands of families’ grocery budgets, when Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) benefits were distributed weeks early for the month of February. This forced families to stretch their budgets longer than usual — some more than 40 days — as they await their March benefits.

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As a result, Foodlink and its Member Agencies expect to see a rise in demand for emergency food throughout the month of February. In partnership with the United Way of Greater Rochester and many other community partners, Foodlink is planning additional food distributions during the school break that begins Feb. 18.

Foodlink needs to recruit additional volunteers to help meet the day-to-day needs of our agencies, as well as prepare for these extra distributions. We have added slots to existing volunteer shifts, and added new shifts to our calendar. The shifts for which we are seeking additional volunteers include:

February 6 — 1 – 4 p.m.
February 7 — 1 – 4 p.m.
February 12 — 1 – 4 p.m.
February 13 — 1 – 4 p.m.
February 13 — 5 – 8 p.m. NEW SHIFT
February 14 — 9 a.m. – noon
February 14 — 5 – 8 p.m. NEW SHIFT
February 15 — 9 a.m. – noon
February 16 — 9 a.m. – noon NEW SHIFT
February 16 — 1 – 4 p.m. NEW SHIFT

Visit our website to learn more, and if you have any questions about volunteering — or if you are interested in signing up an entire group — call our Volunteer Programs Coordinator Jessica Lockett at 585-413-4094.

SIGN UP! Registration: New volunteer registration | Calendar for returning volunteers