LFBI Corporate Volunteers

Thank you for your interest in Lagos Food Bank. We are excited about your partnership and we look forward to having your team join us in the implementation of the outreach/community inspection program. Please see below the activities you might be interested in.

1. PACKAGING OF BOXES IN PREPARATION FOR THE OUTREACH

This activity is usually between Tuesday and Friday before the weekend of the outreach. This consists of making of cartons, sorting out the grains (rice, beans, garri), cereals, vegetable oil, milk packaging, clothes sorting for the target beneficiaries.
We strongly encourage your team members to participate in this activity in order to get familiarized with the pre-outreach process and items that go into the food boxes. A detailed email on timing and logistics would be sent out as the period approaches.

2. BENEFICIARY REGISTRATION/ACCREDITATION PROCESS

This activity involves the selection and profiling of beneficiaries to identify the size of the family and ascertain their level of vulnerability. Once we identify our target beneficiaries, we take their details down and tags are given to them for identification.
Please note that Beneficiary Registration/Inspection happens on the weekend before the outreach.

3. DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD BOXES
   

This is the activity that accommodates a large number of our volunteers. The identified beneficiaries would receive their food boxes on this day. Registered volunteers are split into 2 groups; some would converge at the foodbank and others would be at the outreach venue.

This activity is divided into 2

• Food Bank Activity: Involves loading the truck with the packaged boxes, bags of clothes and other items needed for the outreach.

• Outreach Activity: This involves offloading the truck and arranging them in an orderly fashion. Also, sensitization of beneficiaries and retrieving of the tags also happens at this point.

For communities on the island, we would make use of boat logistics to convey the items.
Volunteers would convey the items from the trucks straight to the boats and then across water.

4. EDUFOOD (School Feeding) VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT
   The program is run during school hours. It entails:

• Packaging: Volunteers arrive as early as 9am to begin the packaging of food items needed for the day. This generally includes sorting out cereal, milk, bread, beverage, boiling of eggs, etc into different packages for each school.

• Distribution: After the packaging has been done, volunteers set out en masse to the schools. At the venue, volunteers are split into groups with each group handling about 2 or 3 schools.

• After distribution has been done, volunteers converge back at the meeting point and move back to the warehouse/foodbank.

FAQs

• What role will I play as a corporate volunteer?

As a corporate volunteer, your team will work alongside our team and volunteers to carry out impactful activities that align with our partnership with your organization, and the program’s objectives. 

• What should I wear for the outreach program?

The outfit guideline should be explained by your contact person. However, for safety and comfort we follow a strict outfit of closed-toed shoes such as sneakers or boots, and trousers for outreach participation.

• Do I need to bring any supplies or tools?

You can come along with your water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, nosemasks, and handkerchiefs depending on the weather conditions.

• How will I know the exact location and time for the outreach?

Your contact person will furnish you with the information you need.

• What types of activities will I be involved in?

Your role may involve tasks such as packaging food items, distributing food boxes, assisting with community engagement, or supporting backyard farming setups, depending on the program you are participating in.

• Will I receive training or instructions before starting the activities?

You will be given a brief description to guide you through the entire process before the activities begin.

• Are the activities physically demanding?

Some of the activities can be physically demanding hence we recommend you speak with your contact person beforehand about health challenges and/or allergies you may be experiencing.

• How long will the outreach program last?

A typical outreach program typically lasts 2–3 hours. However, the exact duration will depend on the itinerary provided to your contact person.

• Will transportation be provided to and from the venue?

Matters concerning logistics will be shared to you by your contact person

• Will there be breaks or refreshments during the outreach?

We kindly advise you to reach out to your organization’s contact person for information regarding any refreshments or breaks that may be available for your team.

• What safety measures are in place during the program?

Your safety is our priority. We provide clear instructions and maintain first aid facilities on-site. Additionally, our team conducts risk assessments before an outreach to ensure all activities are carried out in a secure environment.

• Are there first aid or medical assistance available on-site?

Yes, we have first aid kits readily available to assist with minor injuries. For emergencies, we have protocol in place to ensure prompt medical attention if needed. 

• What should I do if I have allergies or other health concerns?

If you have any allergies, health conditions, or special requirements, please inform us in advance by filling out the relevant section of the form provided. This helps us take the necessary precautions and provide a safe experience for everyone. If you have severe allergies, we recommend bringing any personal medication with you.

• Can I share my experience on social media?

Absolutely! We encourage you to share your experience and highlight the impact you made during the outreach. Feel free to follow and tag us @lagosfoodbank on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and use our official hashtags to spread the word about the work we are doing together

• Will photos or videos from the outreach be shared publicly?

Many of your activities will be shared live on our social media pages. We encourage you to follow us on Instagram: @lagosfoodbank, and @lagosfoodbank_, and Twitter @lagosfoodbank to stay connected and relive the impact of your contributions. If you prefer not to appear in any media, please let our team know at the start of the program, and we will ensure your preferences are respected.

• How can I stay connected with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative after the event?

We would love to stay connected with you! You can sign up on our newsletter by visiting our website at https://lagosfoodbank.org/. You can also follow us on our social media platforms for updates on upcoming programs and success stories. Furthermore, you can sign up to become a regular volunteer and be part of our mission to make a lasting impact in our communities.

• How can I sign up to become a regular volunteer with Lagos Food Bank?

To become a volunteer, fill out the volunteer registration online form to get started. Once filled and submitted, an on-boarding confirmation email will be sent to your registered email. Further information on the volunteering procedures and volunteer guidelines will be sent to your registered email as part of the on-boarding process. The entire process takes an average of 72 hours.

• I have some gently used clothes and household items I would like to donate. Can I come with them to the outreach?

Thank you for your generosity! You are welcome to bring gently used clothes and household items to the outreach. Please visit the registration stand upon arrival, where our team will assist you in documenting the items appropriately.

Alternatively, if you would prefer, you can send the items directly to our designated location—the Food Bank Warehouse—at a later date. Please reach out to us via email on contactus@lagosfoodbank.org for the address and any additional details to ensure your donation is received and documented properly.

• Is there a certificate of participation provided?

We deeply value your participation and commitment to making an impact during this outreach. However, certificates of participation are reserved for our regular volunteers who have completed at least 7 months of community service with a minimum of 120 hours.If you are interested in becoming a regular volunteer and meeting the criteria for certification, we would love to have you join our team. Please visit our website to sign-up and participate in our programs.

• Can my family or friends join me as volunteers in this outreach?

We are open to family and friends participation however, this is subject to your company’s policies.