Registration Information

 

Registration Guides

New User Registration

Registering an Individual

Registering a Group

Registering a Family

Canceling a Shift

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Guidelines

  • All volunteers must be at least 8 years of age
  • Volunteers under 16 years of age needs to volunteer with an adult 21 years of age or older
  • One adult for every four youth under 16 years of age is required
  • Closed-toed shoes are required to volunteer in our warehouse
  • Every volunteer needs to bring a completed Volunteer Consent Form to their first volunteer shift, if they have not registered online.

 

 

FAQ’s

 
Do I need to schedule in advance?
So we can appropriately plan for volunteer projects and ensure a fun and meaningful experience for all volunteers, individuals must schedule their volunteer session at least one week in advance; we recommend groups schedule one month in advance to ensure we can accommodate their group.

Is there a dress code?
Yes, we recommend dressing comfortably and in layers. Additionally, volunteers working in our warehouse must wear closed-toed shoes. Long shorts or pants and t-shirts or sweatshirts are recommended.

Can I bring a group?
Yes, groups are welcome (and encouraged) to volunteer with us. Our volunteer projects can accommodate groups of various sizes and are perfect team-building opportunities. Groups over 20 volunteers are asked to contact the Food Bank directly at 630.443.6910 or volunteer@northernilfoodbank.org to register. To ensure we are able to accommodate your group size, we recommend groups contact our volunteer team at least one month in advance of their proposed group outing.

Can children volunteer at Northern Illinois Food Bank?
Yes! We welcome children ages 8 and older.

Do adults need to accompany children/youth?
Anyone under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older. For groups of youth, one adult chaperon (21 years of age or older) is required for every four youth.

Do I need parental consent if I am under 18 years of age?
Yes, volunteers under the age of 18 will need to have a parent or legal guardian sign the Volunteer Consent Form and bring it with them to their shift.

Are volunteers required to stay for the entire shift?
Yes. Our projects are designed for specific time periods so we ask that volunteers commit to the entire shift. For that reason, it is also important you arrive on time. If you are going to be late or need to leave early, we ask that you reschedule your volunteer shift.

Are there any physical requirements?
The majority of our volunteer opportunities are sorting, inspecting and repacking food for our hungry neighbors. These tasks require some level of physical activity– from simply standing on concrete to actual lifting. If you require special accommodations please contact us at 630.443.6910 before registering.

What if I don’t want to volunteer in the warehouse?
We have many opportunities for volunteers to get involved outside of sorting and repacking food. Please visit our volunteer opportunities page for a list of all our volunteer needs.

Is there parking available?

  • West Suburban Center (Geneva): Parking in an attached parking lot north of building.
  • North Suburban Center (Park City): Very limited parking in front of the building, but there is plenty of parking in the back of the building. To access this parking, take the unnamed road just north of Keller Drive to where you see signs for Northern Illinois Food Bank.
  • Northwest Center (Rockford): Plenty of parking in an attached parking lot.

Please carpool whenever possible.

What if I don’t have access to an email address?
Online volunteer registration requires that you have an email address. We encourage you to use the online system because it allows you to register and manage your account independently. If you do not have an email address please contact a member of our volunteer team 630.443.6910 to arrange your volunteer session.

Is there an opportunity to volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry?
Yes! Our network member food pantries and feeding programs also rely on volunteers. Opportunities vary, so please contact a Northern Illinois Food Bank network member to learn about that program’s specific needs.

What do we do in the case of inclement weather?
In the case of inclement weather, please call our Emergency/Weather Advisory Extension by calling 630.443.6910 ext. 183. A message will then advise you of Northern Illinois Food Bank’s operational status.

Can I complete court-mandated community service hours with Northern Illinois Food Bank?
A number of adult court-mandated community service hour offenses may be completed by volunteering at the food bank. All individuals with court-mandated community service hours must be at least 16 years old, and must call the volunteer department and leave a message at 630.443.6910, ext. 192 or email courtcompelled@northernilfoodbank.org for further information. You must also complete a Court Compelled Intake Form.

Do NOT register online, as those hours WILL NOT count toward your mandated community service hours. More information available here.