Volunteer positions

There are many different and impactful ways to join the ongoing fight against hunger with First Jamaica Community and Urban Development and First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica.

Below are a list of the key jobs that volunteers perform each day to make a difference.

Please note: Volunteers under the age of 16 will need to have a parent or guardian or adult chaperone present through their volunteer service, at all times.

Soup Kitchen

Click each position to see requirements

  • Roles:
    - Produce Chopper
    - Sandwich Maker
    - Pan Prepper
    - Pan Wrapper

    Skills and duties:

    • Prepare food based on instructions of kitchen staff

    • Help with kitchen cleaning, sanitation, and maintaining food safety

    • May occasionally supervise job trainees or other volunteers in food preparation

    • Know how to use basic kitchen equipment

    • Stand for at least four hours

    Available shifts:
    Tuesday: 1:00pm-4:00pm
    Wednesday: 10:00am-12:00pm; 1:00pm-4:00pm; 5:00pm-6:30pm

    Minimum Age: 16

  • Skills and duties:

    • Aid the kitchen by cleaning and storing pots/pans/utensils.

    • Help with kitchen cleaning, sanitation, and maintaining food safety

    • When dish room is slow, help in other areas designated by supervisor

    • Ability to stand for four hours

    • Ability to work in a room with high temperatures due to steam

    Available Shifts:
    Wednesdays: 10:00am-12:00pm; 1:00pm-4:00pm; 5:30pm-6:30pm

    Minimum age: 16

  • (Position reports to Program Director)

    Skills and duties:

    • Preparing a meal for 100-200 people

    • Create menus using a variety of food items based on the available food

    • Keep current of any laws or government regulations that affect food programs

    • Current food handlers permit

    • Ability to stand on your feet for several hours

    • Previous knowledge of various cooking methods (saute, grilling, baking, etc.)

    • Must comply with all sanitation procedures

    Available Shifts:
    Wednesdays: 10:00am-4:00pm

    Minimum age: 25

    Guidelines:

    • Only volunteer if you are healthy and completely comfortable serving.

    • Closed-toe shoes are required at all times

    • Mask and hairnets to be worn at all times when volunteering at Soup Kitchen

    • Mask and gloves to be worn at all times when volunteering at Food Pantry

    • Customer service oriented

  • Skills and duties include:

    • Able to stand for extended periods of time with some walking required

    • Packing meals for grab and go following specific rules and guidelines

    • Checking the quality of bags and verifying its contents once filled

    • Keep the sorting table and surrounding area clean, neat and within guidelines

    Available Shifts:
    Wednesdays: 1:00pm-4:00pm; 5:30pm-6:30pm

    Minimum age: 16

Food Pantry

Click each position to see requirements

  • Help us maintain an organized and efficient food pantry! As an Inventory Management volunteer, you will be the backbone of our distribution efforts, ensuring that all food donations and supplies are accurately tracked, safely stored, and ready for our neighbors in need.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Receive & Sort: Assist with the intake of food deliveries, checking for quality and expiration dates.

    • Stocking: Organize shelves and storage areas using the "First-In, First-Out" (FIFO) method to minimize waste.

    • Record Keeping: Help track stock levels and report when essential items are running low.

    • Organization: Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly warehouse or storage environment.

    Requirements:

    • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.

    • Ability to lift and move boxes (weight varies, typically up to 25–30 lbs).

    • A collaborative spirit and a commitment to the fight against hunger.

    Ready to help? You can select this position on the volunteer signup form under the "Food Pantry" section.

  • Skills and duties include:

    • Move foods from designated locations to the food packing shelves

    • Place foods in clients carts

    • Stock and reshelf foods in designated areas at end of shift

    Available Shifts:
    Tuesdays: 9:30-12:30pm

    Minimum age: 16

  • Skills and duties include:

    • Break down and flattened boxes before disposal or recycling.

    • Keep trash bins from over-flowing

    Available Shifts:
    Mondays: 11:00am-1:00pm
    Tuesdays: 10:00am - 12:00pm

    Minimum age: 16

  • Skills and duties include:

    • Move delivery from the drop zone and move food inside the pantry using handcarts.

    Available Shifts:
    Mondays: 10:00am-12:00pm; 12:30pm-2:30pm

    Minimum age: 18

    Guidelines:

    • Only volunteer if you are healthy and completely comfortable serving.

    • Closed-toe shoes are required at all volunteer projects.

    • We recommend volunteers not wear jewelry. If worn, all items must be covered by the provided gloves and/or hairnets.

  • Spanish, Bangladesh and Cantonese speaking volunteers are needed to support our efforts. Volunteers may be asked to communicate information with participants, help with registration, or participate in the market distribution.

    Time commitment:
    Tuesdays 10:00am–12pm (subject to change)

    Minimum age requirement: 18 years old

Other ways to serve

Click each position to see requirements

  • Role Overview: We are looking for organized and reliable individuals to provide essential support to our church office and community programs. This role is vital in ensuring our operations run smoothly and our outreach services are well-maintained for our neighbors.

    Skills and Duties include:

    • Operational Support: Assist in moving food items from designated storage locations to packing shelves.

    • Client Assistance: Help place food items into client carts during distribution hours.

    • Inventory Management: Stock and reshelf food items in designated areas at the end of each shift to ensure readiness for the next day.

    • Office Support: Assist with basic administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, or preparing materials for community events.

    • Welcoming Presence: Greet visitors and community members with kindness, representing the spirit of the church.

    Requirements:

    • Minimum Age: 16 years old.

    • Physical Ability: Able to lift and move light to moderate food items and stand for the duration of the shift.

    • Note: Male volunteers are especially encouraged to apply to assist with the physical aspects of this role.

  • Role Overview: Be the hands and feet of our mission during our most high-impact community events. Special Events Volunteers help us create a welcoming and organized environment for our neighbors in Southeast Queens throughout the year.

    Events & Duties include:

    • Annual Prostate Health Fair: Provide logistical support and hospitality for this decade-old wellness event.

    • Soup Kitchen Summer BBQ & Fall Street Festival: Help with setup, food service, and community engagement during our large outdoor celebrations.

    • Summer Vacation Bible School: Assist with youth activities, crafts, and supervision to create a fun learning environment.

    • Pop-Up Food Pantry: Support mobile food distributions by organizing stock and assisting community members.

    • Christmas Tree Lighting: Help spread holiday cheer by assisting with event setup and hospitality.

    Requirements:

    • Availability: Flexible; based on the specific event schedule.

    • Skills: A friendly attitude, ability to work in a team, and a heart for community service.

    • Note: Male volunteers are especially encouraged to join our event teams to assist with setup and coordination.

Complete the form below. Choose from the list of positions above.