Flagstaff Family Food Center
Grocery Rescue Join us for Grocery Rescue, an essential program where volunteers help collect surplus food from local grocery stores and ensure it is quickly sorted, inspected, and distributed to families and individuals in need throughout our community. Volunteers meet at partner grocery stores and at the Flagstaff Family Food Center, where they unload donations, organize rescued groceries, and help prepare them for immediate use in our meal programs and food distributions. This hands-on, fast-paced event is ideal for anyone who wants to help fight food waste and hunger at the same time. Whether you’re helping collect donations, sorting produce and pantry staples, or ensuring that safe, high-quality food reaches those who need it, your efforts make an immediate and lasting impact. Be a part of our Grocery Rescue team and help bring hope, nourishment, and sustainability to Flagstaff—one rescued box at a time!
Project Goals for Grocery Rescue • Reduce Food Waste: Recover surplus, safe-to-eat food from local grocery stores that would otherwise go to waste. • Increase Food Access: Ensure rescued groceries are distributed quickly and efficiently to families and individuals in need. • Support Community Partnerships: Strengthen relationships with local grocery stores, donors, and community partners. • Promote Food Safety: Inspect and handle all rescued food according to safety and quality guidelines. • Encourage Volunteer Engagement: Foster teamwork and a spirit of service among volunteers. • Sustainability: Help build a more sustainable community by diverting food from landfills and supporting local food systems. By working toward these goals, we help create a healthier, more sustainable Flagstaff—one rescued grocery item at a time.
Yeshua Brooks Volunteer Program Manager (928) 890-8386 Volunteer@hotfood.org
Safety Information for Grocery Rescue To keep everyone safe and ensure food quality, please follow these guidelines during Grocery Rescue shifts: • Wear closed-toe, non-slip shoes—no sandals or open-toed footwear. • Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water or sun protection if needed. • Wash your hands thoroughly before handling any food; use hand sanitizer as needed. • Wear gloves when handling produce or groceries, and change gloves as needed. • Lift safely: Use your legs, not your back. Ask for help with heavy or awkward items. • Handle donated food gently and inspect items for spoilage, damage, or contamination. Discard any unsafe food following guidance from your supervisor. • Keep walkways and sorting areas clear to prevent trips and falls. • Stay alert during loading and unloading: Watch for vehicles and moving equipment. • Clean and sanitize surfaces after sorting and packing groceries. • Respect donor privacy: Do not share store-specific details or donation amounts. • Know where first aid kits and emergency contacts are located. Report any accidents or injuries immediately. • Stay home if you are unwell or have any symptoms of illness. Thank you for helping us keep food safe, fresh, and ready for our community!
24-Hour Cancellation Policy Reminder To help us serve our community efficiently, please remember our 24-hour cancellation policy for all volunteer shifts: • If you need to cancel a scheduled shift, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. • You can cancel by logging into your volunteer account, emailing, or calling our office. • Last-minute cancellations make it challenging to fill your spot and can impact our ability to serve those in need. • If you have an emergency or sudden illness, let us know as soon as possible—your health comes first. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep our programs running smoothly!