Blog
Volunteers in the Canteen
Posted by:Susan - Canteen Manager
Wed 23 January 2008
Dear Canteen Managers,
I face the problem of trying to recruit new volunteers at the start of every year. I have taken these tips from the Healthy Kids Members Magazine, but I am wondering if anyone else has any tips or advice for me?
Many Thanks,
Susan, Canteen Manager.
Recruiting Volunteers
Many canteens have problems recruiting volunteers as people these days are so time-poor that they cannot spare time to help out in the canteen. Canteen volunteers were once largely comprised of stay-at-home mums, however the structure of families has changed with a large portion of households being single parent households or families where both parents need to work. This has had a huge impact on the school canteen, as parents who have little free time are more reluctant to spend it volunteering. Below are some ideas for recruitment.
1. Send out a letter to parents at the start of the year to inform them on how the canteen operates and how important volunteers are. Include an outline of daily duties when volunteering in the canteen so they understand what is involved.
2. Include a canteen update in the school’s newsletter, featuring a photo of the canteen volunteers having a great time. Many canteen volunteers become involved as a way to make friends.
3. Some canteen managers find that the school yard approach works well. Parents or relatives who stand and chat in the playground after the children have gone into class might have some spare time to volunteer in the canteen. Canteen managers can hand out a flyer to these parents to inform them that they are in need of volunteers and that their help would be greatly appreciated by the school and it’s students.
4. Arrange an award system and let potential volunteers know that they may win a prize for volunteering their time.
Comments
Wed 23 January 2008
Parents of kindergarten and year 7 students will be attending information sessions. This is a great opportunity to let parents know that you need their help. Also let the parents know that the canteen appreciates all volunteers even if they are not parents of the students at the school. Most canteens are happy for grandparents, aunties, uncles and family friends to help out too.
This always seems to get a few volunteers for me!
Wed 23 January 2008
I always put an ad in the local newspaper. It is great that the community get so involved. I guess that we just forget to ask them sometimes!
Mon 18 February 2008
I had thought a rewards system'canteen credits' might work. When signing in & out you accumulate 1 credit per hour volunteered & then these credits are then redeemed at the canteen as lunch orders for your child (perhaps 50c per credit) As the mum of 4 primary aged kids who rarely get lunch orders I thought this may just entice a few more volunteers!
Tue 19 February 2008
Whilst we have had volunteers they don't always remember to come. We have recently instigated ringing the afternoon before as a gentle reminder. This has approved attendance.
Wed 27 February 2008
We have improved our volunteer numbers by making shifts more flexible and by sending a canteen update survey to all families of both the high and primary school that use the canteen on the first day of each school year. We have also introduced a donation option and sought out private arrangement volunteers and used the donations to pay for this system. We also do reminder and welcome phone calls and have a policy that all year 7 mums automatically go on the roster if they do not respond. (although this only picks up two or three extra) It makes putting the roster together a bit tricky but has been worth it because people have nominated their own days and times etc.
Wed 05 March 2008
Hi, we talk about & ask for volunteers at Kindergarten orientation day [last year we had 10 parents sign up on that day].We also distribute a note at the beginning of the year. We try to get a commitment at the end of each year from those already on the roster. Volunteers morning tea & lunch are provided free of charge.
Hope that helps
cheers
Jo-Ann
Sat 15 March 2008
Hi, I too present a talk and information session at the orientation day. I find I can attract at least 10 new volunteers and then from that I produce my rosters for the following year... The roster is handed out before term 4 finishes. To date I have recieved another 3-4 new recruits who are then placed on the roster as extras.. THis makes it easier for the learners to have experienced workers. Even if I lose 1 or 2 over the holiday this doesn't appear to effect the rosters at all.. Best of Luck
Sun 16 March 2008
It has proved successful for some canteens to get a work for the dole person allocated to their canteen. Contact the employment agency in your town responsible for the Work For the Dole program.
Tue 20 May 2008
I am a Community Work Coordinator with the Work for the Dole Program and we place many people in School Canteens that have Mutual Obligation requirements with Centrelink. We assist with clothing, Police Clearances & Working with Children Certificates.
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