COVID-19 Response Food Agents Needed throughout Baltimore County

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COVID-19 Response Food Agent Volunteer Position Description

Description: As part of the COVID-19 response, the Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA) is recruiting volunteers to act as Food Agents for homebound Baltimore County seniors who are clients of the BCDA’s Home Team Program and other seniors in the County in need of food deliveries. Food Agent volunteers are assigned by the BCDA Home Team staff to at least one (but not more than five) Home Team client(s) to pick up shelf-stable food from a designated food pantry or other food distribution site and deliver to the client on an agreed upon schedule.

Prior to becoming a Food Agent, individuals are required to complete a BCDA Volunteer application form, and provide a copy of current driver’s license and proof of auto insurance. All potential volunteers must have a successful comprehensive background check performed which will include check of driving record. Approved Food Agents will review responsibilities and other logistics with a member of the Home Team staff by phone or video conference before beginning their assignment. Priority will be given to volunteers able to commit to at least one client assignment for the duration of the COVID-19 response.

Other Volunteer Qualifications:  Must be 18 years of age or older, accessible by phone and have a clean driving record.  Have a car in good working condition for making deliveries.  Able to stand, bend, sit and walk independently. Able to lift and carry at least 25 lbs.

Volunteer Responsibilities:  The volunteer is provided with a report listing the assigned food pantry/food distribution site and the contact information for the client(s) (name, address, phone number).  One day before the delivery, call the senior to indicate a window of time senior should expect to receive the food. Notify the Home Team staff before and after the delivery is made by calling 410-887-4141.  Drive to the pantry or food distribution site on day indicated on report to pick up food. Tell pantry coordinator how many people reside in the home when making pickup from food pantry. It is also highly recommended that the Food Agent contact the pantry before going there to confirm pick-up and in the event there have been any lastminute changes encountered by the pantry. Bring your photo I.D. and have your Food Agent report ready to show the pantry coordinator if requested.  A courtesy call should be placed to the senior when in route to deliver the food. Volunteer should leave food at the door, not enter the home and remain at least 6 feet away from other individuals. As a courtesy, the volunteer should either call, ring the doorbell or knock on the door to alert the senior of the delivery.  Ensure food is delivered as soon as possible and in the same condition as received from pantry/food distribution site.  For purposes of data collection, document on the report form the number of trips, miles driven, bags delivered, phone calls made and volunteer hours. Mail the report to the Home Team Program (611 Central Ave. #312 Towson, MD 21204) or email to hometeam@baltimorecountymd.gov by the fifth of the month.