SLS: Smallwood Food Pantry Volunteer (2026-27 school year)

The PSU Smallwood Food Pantry is an Oregon Food Book partner agency designed to serve the students of PSU. Mission Statement: The mission of the PSU Smallwood Food Pantry is to serve as a critical resource for currently enrolled students to acquire supplemental food items on a regular basis in a welcoming, inclusive, and dignified environment.

This position is one of the options for Portland State's Student Leaders for Service program. Please apply to the Student Leaders for Service program to express interest in this opportunity. To access the application to apply for SLS for the the 2026-27 school year, please visit https://pdx.givepulse.com/event/864961

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The Smallwood Food Pantry serves actively enrolled students by providing supplemental groceries in a dignified, trauma-informed environment. We pride ourselves in being a low barrier, no limit, shopping style pantry. Students are welcome to shop as often as they need and to take as much as they can use. The pantry is open Monday through Friday from Fall to Spring term, with varying hours depending on staff availability. Hours for the upcoming term will be posted with two weeks notice. 

The PSU Smallwood Food Pantry also hosts a monthly Free Food Market on the second Monday of the month. The Free Food Market is open to students, staff and community members alike. 

We are committed to being a safe and welcoming space where all students are free to shop with dignity. 

SLS volunteers can help us achieve that goal.

With a Fall through Spring commitment, SLS Pantry volunteers play a critical role in pantry operations, receive training to serve weekly to support regular pantry shifts, and may be able to work on special projects throughout the year.

Pantry interns are expected to spend their 4-6 hour weekly commitment with the pantry in the following ways:

• Commit to a weekly 4+ hour pantry shift. (Preferably 4 consecutive hours, but may be broken into two 2 hours shifts, if necessary)
• Be available for regular check-ins with the Special Projects Coordinator and the Pantry Coordinator for updates, training, and volunteer check-ins.
• Possible 1 hour of independent work to help prepare and host events or projects
• Quarterly schedule of availability should be provided no later than Friday of Week 1 of the term; sooner is preferable. 

Pantry Volunteers can expect the following from their experience with the Pantry: 

• Shifts in the Pantry will allow volunteers to gain experience in how a food pantry operates
• Volunteers may be invited to participate in trainings on topics like college student food security, trauma-informed care, and de-escalation.
• Regular check-ins will serve as a time to problem-solve common issues and questions that may arise during pantry shifts or special projects.

We are excited to have you on our pantry team!