Flagstaff Family Food Center
Join us for one of Flagstaff’s biggest community traditions: Stuff the Bus, happening Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9 from 9 AM – 6 PM. The Flagstaff Family Food Center, in partnership with Mountain Line and two local Safeway locations in Flagstaff, will be collecting food and donations to support families across Northern Arizona during the holiday season. 📍 Locations: University Safeway — 1201 S Plaza Way, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Cedar Safeway — 1500 E Cedar Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 🕘 Shift Times (each 3 hours): 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM 👥 Volunteers Needed: 4-6 per shift (3-4 stationed at each door). After signing up, you will receive an email in the next couple of days with day-of details including location and what to expect. If you have questions before then, reach out to volunteer@hotfood.org ✨ What We’re Collecting: Turkeys Hams stuffing grocery store gift cards Canned vegetables chicken broth cranberry sauce Canned soups Monetary donations (all funds stay local) Volunteers will greet shoppers at the Safeway entrances, share information about the food drive, and accept donations on behalf of the organization. Every can, box, or dollar given helps us ensure that families in our community can gather around the table with dignity this holiday season. As a volunteer at the FFFC tables, you’ll be the face of our mission—welcoming the community with a smile, an upbeat spirit, and genuine warmth. Volunteers will greet and thank donors, accept donations, ring the donation bell with enthusiasm, and assist in sorting items into the designated bins to ensure everything remains organized and protected. You’ll also help staff keep the area tidy, inviting, and full of good energy so that people feel excited to give. We ask that all volunteers bring a people-friendly, high-energy attitude! Be kind, be approachable, and be positive, because how we show up makes just as big a difference as the donations themselves! Together, let’s Stuff the Bus and fight hunger in Flagstaff!
1. Collect Essential Food Donations Gather high-need nonperishable food items (such as peanut butter, pasta, cereal, canned proteins, soups, stuffing, and holiday staples like turkeys) from Safeway shoppers to support the Flagstaff Family Food Center’s programs. 2. Engage the Community in Action Provide a visible and accessible opportunity for the Flagstaff community to directly support their neighbors by donating food or funds in a simple, hands-on way. 3. Strengthen Partnerships Work alongside MountainLine Transit, Safeway, and community volunteers to highlight collaboration in addressing food insecurity and ensuring sustainability of local hunger relief efforts. 4. Raise Awareness of Food Insecurity Use the event as a platform to inform the public about the realities of hunger in Northern Arizona, reminding donors that every contribution—big or small—has a direct impact on families in need. 5. Mobilize Volunteers for Impact Offer meaningful, structured volunteer shifts (three hours each, with four volunteers per shift per location) that connect participants to the mission of the Food Center while ensuring smooth collection and distribution processes. 6. Measure and Celebrate Impact Track pounds of food collected and funds raised during the event, and share results back with partners, volunteers, and the public to celebrate community generosity and transparency.
Zenya Ledermann Programs Lead Flagstaff Family Food Center Zenya@hotfood.org
Stuff the Bus Volunteer Safety Protocols (November 8–9, 2025) 1. General Conduct Always treat Safeway customers, donors, fellow volunteers, and staff with courtesy and respect. Volunteers represent the Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC); maintain a welcoming, professional demeanor. Never solicit donations aggressively. Offer information if asked and thank donors sincerely. 2. Arrival and Check-In Arrive 10 minutes before your shift for orientation with the shift lead. Wear name tags provided by FFFC and check in with your team lead. Confirm you are stationed at the correct entrance and shift location. 3. Personal Safety Stay in pairs: two volunteers per door at all times. Do not leave your post unattended; notify your lead if you need a short break. Keep personal belongings minimal and secured. In case of conflict or disruptive behavior, do not engage. Immediately alert your lead or Safeway staff. 4. Food & Monetary Donation Handling Food should be placed gently into collection bins or carts by donors. Volunteers may assist if asked. Never lift or carry items that are too heavy—ask a partner for help or use a cart/dolly. All monetary donations must go directly into secure collection envelopes/containers provided by FFFC. Do not handle cash outside of those designated methods. 5. Weather & Environmental Safety Dress appropriately for Flagstaff November weather (layers, jackets, gloves). You may be outside for several hours. Stay hydrated and take breaks as needed. Be mindful of sidewalks and entrances—keep pathways clear for customer safety. 6. COVID-19 & Hygiene Precautions Use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after handling donated items. Do not attend if you are feeling sick or experiencing contagious symptoms. Gloves will be available for volunteers who prefer them. 7. Emergency Procedures In case of medical emergencies, call 911 first, then notify the shift lead. Know the nearest Safeway customer service desk for quick assistance. Follow instructions from Safeway management, Mountain Line staff, and FFFC leads in any emergency. 8. End-of-Shift Procedures Ensure donation bins/carts are properly secured and labeled for pickup. Hand off any monetary donations immediately to the designated FFFC lead. Check out with the shift lead before leaving. ✅ These safety protocols help ensure volunteers feel secure, donors are respected, and the event runs smoothly across all three Safeway locations.
24-Hour Cancellation Policy If you can’t attend your scheduled volunteer shift, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance so we can adjust staffing and keep services running smoothly. To cancel, contact: Yeshua Brooks 📞 (928) 890-8386 📧 volunteer@hotfood.org Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our services running smoothly for the community.
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