Montmorenci United Methodist Church

The Free Community Market At Montmorenci UMC is a MANNA Partner Agency.  We provide a free choice pantry in a market format every Wednesday for Food Insecure neighbors in Hominy Valley and surrounding communities.  Our goal is to create healthier, happier families and a more productive community by providing access to nutrient dense food for all our neighbors.  We have been in operation since March 2013 and currently serve about 175 households (800+ persons) weekly.  Our community is “trilingual”: English, Spanish, and Ukrainian.  

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• FIRST SHIFT 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM Activities
• Set up Market Stations
• Unload food product from delivery truck or van
• Set up and arrange or store food product for the Market.
• Sort, arrange, and bag (if necessary) produce.
• Set up and arrange carts and traffic ones in parking lot.
• Direct traffic into parking line and lot (10 AM) and begin intake process.
• Second Shift 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Monitor and resupply shopping stations.
• Assist shoppers (clients)with disabilities or children.
• Assist shoppers with unloading carts into vehicles.
• Assist in car line or parking lot to monitor safety and assist shoppers.
• Assist with “gatekeeping” at market door (for safety and crowd control)

Requirements:

• Volunteers should be 18 years of age and must arrange their own transportation. (Teenagers 14 and older are welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult.)
• Volunteers coming on a regular basis will be asked to complete food safety and civil rights training via short (30 to 45 minute) online classes.

Skills Required: 

• Volunteers will need a compassionate and non-judgmental attitude and a desire to interact with people from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities.
• Language skills in (particularly in Spanish and Ukrainian) are appreciated, but not required.
• Many activities require lifting at least 20 lbs and standing or walking. There are other opportunities available, so be sure to inform lead volunteers if this is an issue.

Attire:

• Closed toed shoes are required
• Dress comfortably in “work” clothes appropriate for the weather: Hat and sunscreen (all year), wet weather or layered clothing when appropriate. You will be working with food, hand trucks, grocery carts and should plan to get “dirty.”
• Humorous hats and t-shirts are fun, but please avoid anything of a political, suggestive, or disruptive nature.

Location:

• Montmorenci United Methodist Church

89 Old Candler Town Road

Candler NC 28715

• Please turn right at the top of the driveway and park on the gravel lot along the fence line. Follow the sidewalk back to the basement area of the church to locate the market. Second Shift may need assistance from the parking lot crew to access parking.

Health and Safety:

• Masks are optional, available on site.

• Hand sanitizer/gel and sunscreen are available on site.

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  Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don’t feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by completing our Volunteer Experience Form.