Organisation

The Valley Project

Purpose

Kai Share is a NEV initiative that provides rescued food from KiwiHarvest for Valley locals. Volunteers work in a small team on Friday afternoons to pack food boxes and support community wellbeing. This role is on a short-term basis.

Description

The Valley Project is a community-led development project that builds community connections and promotes the wellbeing of local families and whānau. Their vision is an inclusive, connected and thriving community. They have places, spaces and activities that enable belonging and connectedness. No matter who people are or where they are from, together the community has a voice, takes action, and creates hope. Their mission
is to mobilise the community's strength and resources into locally led action.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities include:

• Setting up the Fred Hollows Room ready for kai distribution to participants by 3.30pm (tables set out, signage up and boxes labelled).

• Receiving donated kai from KiwiHarvest, carrying boxes from the delivery truck.

• Performing quality checks of donated kai—checking packaging, damaged goods, or over-ripe produce.

• Cleaning and sanitising food sorting surfaces before and floors after each food sorting session.

• Working in a team to fairly distribute kai and other items into boxes, based on household needs.

• Engaging participants in a friendly, respectful, non-judgmental, and caring manner.

• Reminding participants about the rules and expectations of the Kai Share programme if needed.

• Explaining the programme to walk-in enquiries and referring participants for Kai Share registration to the website, Valley Project reception, or Community Development Coordinator.

• Breaking down and recycling excess boxes at the end of the shift.

• Keeping the Kai Share shed tidy and well-organised.

• Safely storing surplus long-life kai in freezers or shelves.

• Identifying excess bulk short-life food (e.g., bread or bananas) to share with NEV Normal School before 3pm.

• Assisting with repacking bulk goods for distribution, following food safety and hygiene practices.

• Collaborating and communicating regularly with the Community Development Coordinator about operational matters or issues.

• Maintaining participant privacy and confidentiality at all times.

• Following Valley Project procedures and policies as per the Volunteer Agreement.

Benefits and Impact
Through the Kai Share programme, the Valley Project contributes to the reduction of food waste and its related environmental impact, while supporting the health and wellbeing of people in need living in the North East Valley community.

Kai Share volunteers play a direct role in helping households and whānau access food in times of need. Taking a strengths-based approach, volunteers support participants to feel connected, supported, and part of the community.

Volunteers’ work ensures a quality service is provided to the community. The big picture is that food waste is reduced and people are well fed.

Requirements

• 18 years of age or over.

• Good standard of conversational English; reliable and punctual.

• Able to work in a small team (2–3 people) and be a team player.

• Physically fit and able to carry loads of 10–20kg.

• Able to work safely and efficiently when handling, sorting, and packing donated food.

• Resourceful, well organised, and able to work independently, taking initiative as needed.

• Friendly, patient, and respectful

• Contactable by email or phone

Desirable Skills and Expertise:

• Comfortable or interested in using other languages (e.g., Arabic, Dari/Farsi, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Tongan) to support participants.

• Experience of, or an interest in, working with diverse communities and groups.

• Basic awareness of New Zealand food safety practices is helpful.

• Any experience in social or community services is a bonus.

Time commitment

• 3 hours per week, Fridays 1:30–4:30pm.

• Flexible options are available for those who prefer to volunteer fortnightly or on a casual back-up basis.

• Occasional extra help on other days or earlier on Fridays is welcome for pre-packing bulk goods, attending optional training, or participating in important Kai Share meetings.

• The Valley Project is closed on public holidays and takes a short break over Christmas and New Year.

Background Check

Ministry of Justice - * Volunteers will be interacting with a wide range of community members and may have access to some personal information. Applicants participate in an informal interview with Valley Project staff. Screening includes a Ministry of Justice check and two referee checks.

How to apply

Phone or Email Claire Speedy / community@northeastvalley.org / (03) 4738614

Please copy (CC) volunteer@otago.ac.nz into your application email. Also, we have a great email template and helpful tips on making an effective application here: https://www.unicrewotago.org/aboutpriceless