The Capital Area Food Bank distributes food through over 400 Shopping Partners. In 2026, over 60 Partners will begin using a secure shared client intake website to record household information and visits. This website is called Service Insights. By using Service Insights to record client information and visits, we learn more about the diverse communities we serve. As more Partners begin using Service Insights, we gain a much more detailed understanding of food insecurity in the region. Partners use the data in Service Insights to apply for grants, order more appropriate food for their clients, and improve their operations.
The Capital Area Food Bank is seeking volunteers to aid Partners on their first day using Service Insights. This day is often called their “go live."
Role Description
At a Partner’s go live, the volunteer will collect basic demographic information from clients by helping them complete paper intake forms or by verbally asking questions about their household. Volunteers will use Service Insights to record visits from clients who have first registered with another Partner. Volunteers will help the Partner gain confidence using the website so they can successfully use it on their own in the future.
The ideal volunteer has experience working with diverse audiences and the ability to make technology accessible and helpful to inexperienced users. You can register to volunteer in 3 easy steps here.
Training
The Capital Area Food Bank will hold an in-person training at our offices for all Service Insights volunteers. Volunteers will receive in-depth training on how to use Service Insights, resolve basic problems, work with clients, and support Partners. Following the training, volunteers will accompany Food Bank staff at a Partner site to learn in a hands-on setting. After this, volunteers may begin working with Partners independently.
This volunteer commitment will involve 2–6 hours of service per month for 5–6 months, with an anticipated start in March 2026.
Essential Functions
• Support Partners with client registration on their first day using Service Insights, a secure web-based data collection system
• Assist clients with registration, including those who do not speak English or have low English proficiency
• Troubleshoot basic technology problems related to Service Insights, laptop computers, tablets, and the internet
• Communicate with Capital Area Food Bank staff to provide feedback on efforts
General Qualifications
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Comfortable using a tablet or laptop computer, accessing the internet, and typing
• Experience working with diverse communities
• Able to travel to Partner sites around the DMV metro area, not all of which can be accessed by public transportation
Preferred Qualifications
• Previous experience working with social service providers, faith-based organizations, food-insecure populations, and immigrant communities
• Proficiency in other languages used in the region, such as Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Farsi, Amharic, or ASL
Physical Demands / Working Conditions
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, including in potentially uncomfortable summer temperatures
• Ability to lift/carry 20 pounds
• Some volunteer opportunities may require standing for up to three hours at a time
Time Commitment
• Volunteers must commit to one in-person training (two hours) at the Capital Area Food Bank in late winter
• Volunteers will shadow Food Bank staff at a Partner site (three to four hours) before assisting a Partner independently
• Volunteers are expected to contribute three to four hours of service per month (one shift with a Partner) for four months
• Because Partners are open during the day, mornings, evenings, and weekends, volunteers may choose Partner hours that best match their availability
For any questions, please contact jkaraisz@capitalareafoodbank.org
