Food Co-op Volunteer
St Hildas East Community Centre
Volunteers are needed to help with the operational running of the Community Food Co-op at St Hilda’s East. The Co-op is open to customers every Thursday between 11:30am-2:30pm but requires support in addition to these hours. We are looking for people to help set up and open the Food Co-op on Thursday mornings between 9am-12pm (3 hours) or run and pack away at the end of the day between 12:30pm-3:30pm (3 hours). The role is flexible and, wherever possible, tasks will be matched to each person.
St. Hilda’s East is a local charity which aims to combat the challenges arising from deprivation and social exclusion through the delivery of a wide range of engaging activities which promote wellbeing and social connections. Located in Tower Hamlets, we run a large, friendly Community Centre in Shoreditch, with an Elders Day Centre (Sonali Gardens) for the Bangladeshi and other communities, located in Shadwell. Services include pre-school activities and youth projects, support for older people, legal advice, a food co-operative, wellbeing activities for people experiencing mental health issues, and volunteering placements. Geographically located in a ‘Food Desert’, our Community Food Co-op provides a vital option for hyper-local residents to buy organic and non-organic produce. Open to everyone, it is a place to shop, chat, meet others, and find out what else is going on at St Hilda’s East. Our Food Co-op also provides information on healthy food choices and supports other programmes at St. Hilda’s East by supplying donated food for our Family Learning Stay and Play sessions. The Food Co-op has always been volunteer-led; it is an enterprise where friendships are built across diverse cultural and social backgrounds, and an interest in food is a common passion. Volunteers receive valuable ‘on the job’ experience. We offer free training opportunities for Food Co-op volunteers, including short courses in Food Safety Level 2, First Aid and Customer Service Skills. Volunteers are needed to help with the operational running of the Food Co-op at St Hilda’s East. The Co-op is open to customers every Thursday between 11:30am-2:30pm, but requires support in addition to these hours. We are looking for volunteers to help set up and open the food co-op on Thursday mornings 9am-12pm (3 hours) or run and pack away at the end of the day between 12:30pm-3:30pm (3 hours). The role is flexible and, wherever possible, tasks will be matched to each person's interests and abilities. The Co-op is currently managed and led by a Project Manager, in conjunction with the Food Coop Facilitator, alongside a team of volunteers who will all work together. Key Responsibilities include: • Supporting the set-up of Food Co-op on delivery day: carrying and lifting boxes, assisting with the Co-op layout, merchandising the fruit, vegetables and produce on show, displaying signage and pricing. • Serving customers, weighing fresh produce, and operating the till. • Financial admin including cashing up, dispensing change, pricing • Packing away the Co-op at the end of the day, clearing produce, cleaning (including fridge areas). • Promoting and marketing the Co-op through outreach to the community. This is a fantastic role for anyone interested in gaining retail experience, or who is keen to help alleviate food poverty.
Advice, Information & Support,Retail & Charity Shops,Food Supply (i.e. Foodbanks, School meals)
Admin, Cleaning & Tidying, Language Skills, Customer Service
We’re looking for passionate, enthusiastic individuals who want to make a difference. You don’t need any prior experience – just a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and the desire to support your local community! Ideal candidates will have: • A Passion for Helping Others: You believe in offering healthy living options to communities that need it most and want to see these communities thrive. • Good Communication Skills: You’re comfortable engaging with members of the public from diverse backgrounds and can speak with understanding and clarity. • A Team Player: You enjoy collaborating with other volunteers. • Commitment and Reliability: You’re dedicated to the role and can commit to a consistent schedule.
This role isn’t just about giving back – it’s also about personal growth and development! By volunteering at the Food Co-op, you will: • Develop Valuable Skills: Enhance your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities that are highly sought after by employers. • Boost Your CV: Gain hands-on experience that can unlock exciting career opportunities and strengthen your professional profile. • Join a Supportive Community: Collaborate with dedicated staff and passionate volunteers, all working together to make a lasting impact in your community. • Create Purpose and Connection: Contribute to a cause that directly supports local needs, building a sense of pride and fulfilment. • Access Valuable Training: Take part in training opportunities such as Emergency First Aid, Nutrition & Healthy Eating, Outreach & Engagement, and Accessibility & Inclusion to enhance your skills and knowledge. • Build Relationships: Connect with a diverse team of volunteers and community members, expanding your network and forming meaningful relationships. • Gain Knowledge in Key Areas: Learn about food justice, healthy living, community work, and Food Co-op systems while gaining hands-on experience. • Receive a Positive Reference: After 4 months of volunteering, you’ll be provided with a reference to help you in your future endeavours. • Enjoy a Small Weekly Allowance: Use your allowance to support your involvement and shop at the Co-op. • Challenge Yourself: Take on new responsibilities, grow in confidence, and have fun while making a difference. As a Food Co-op Volunteer, you’ll have access to training to support your personal and professional growth. This may include: • Safeguarding, Emergency First Aid, Food Hygiene to ensure you’re prepared to create a safe environment for customers. • Nutrition & Healthy Eating, Outreach & Engagement, and Accessibility & Inclusion to enhance your skills and knowledge. Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins and opportunities to receive feedback and mentorship from experienced staff. These training opportunities will not only equip you with the tools to support the Food Co-op but also help you grow in your role and enhance your existing skills. We understand that volunteering requires a commitment of time and effort, and we want to ensure that your experience is as accessible as possible. As such, we offer reimbursement for travel expenses incurred while attending your volunteer shifts, and lunch for shifts over 4 hours, as detailed in the Volunteer handbook.
Minimum 6 months commitment. You must be available for 3 hours a week at one or more of the sessions listed below: Thursday, 9am-12pm Thursday, 12.30pm-3.30pm
E2 7EY
18 Club Row E2 7EY
5 minute walk from Shoreditch station. Close to Liverpool St station
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