VOLUNTEER
Food Liability Concerns
Our operations staff are ServSave certified and our food donors observe the highest level of food safety practices. Food donations are protected by federal law under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act, passed in 1996. The Bill Emerson Food Donation Act establishes Federal protection to a person for civil or criminal liability arising from the nature, age, packaging, or condition of apparently wholesome food or an apparently fit grocery product that the person or gleaner donates in good faith to a nonprofit organization for ultimate distribution to needy individuals.
This liability is further reinforced with the passing of the Food Donation Act (FDA) of 2022 passed into law in January of 2023.
The FDA bill builds on the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (passed in 1996) which encourages companies to donate surplus food to nonprofits by providing civil and criminal liability protection both to food donors and nonprofit intermediaries. The FDIA will enhance the coverage of the Emerson Act by expanding liability protection in two ways that will support modern food donation. This law protects everyone in the food donation cycle, except cases of gross negligence.
Interested in volunteering, please send us a message
Sunita Shastri brings a wealth of knowledge from the food industry as an entrepreneur who successfully built and sold a food company. She is a strong business leader with 15+ years of experience running small businesses and helping others in their journey of entrepreneurship by mentoring and supporting women in their journey. She is a chef with teaching experience and passionate about food and believes that everyone should have access to healthy and nutritional meals which is why she joined Eat Happy to rescue and recover food and deliver it to those who need it.
Over the last 10 years, Sunita has been involved in volunteering with various nonprofits in different capacities. She serves on the board of Hopelink(a large human services nonprofit based in Redmond WA), and The Sophia Way (a women’s shelter based in Bellevue, WA. She serves as an advisory board member of Essentials First, a nonprofit in Bellevue, WA providing essential items including hygiene products to families in need.
Along with joining as a co-founder of Eat Happy, she is also a board member committed to help solve the disconnect between food availability and food insecurity seen in communities around her. In her spare time, Sunita enjoys travelling, playing tennis, and photography.
Graduate of Project Lead Board Leadership Program, United Way of King County, Seattle WA.
MBA in Finance from City University, Seattle WA.
Volunteer Q&A
How do I get involved?
Anyone interested in a flexible way of giving back can sign up for jobs in the app, within which you can choose to provide your availability. Most of our volunteers are young professionals, retirees, students and families. If you cannot drive but your parents are willing to, you can accept and complete tasks for Eat Happy.
What is required to volunteer?
Since we are picking up and delivering food, a clean, reliable, insured vehicle is necessary. Because all of our communication and information relating to each task is through our app, you’ll need a cell phone as well. Naturally, we ask that you arrive at the tasks on time and treat everyone you encounter with respect.
Are there opportunities for team/work volunteer events?
Yes, please contact us at volunteers@eathappynow.org and we will customize a plan to engage your group as most appropriate.
Is there compensation or reimbursement?
No. Our model strives to engage community members in a volunteer capacity. Therefore, we do not pay for your time or reimburse for fuel/auto expenses. We think you will find the opportunity to help others to be very rewarding.
What is the time commitment? How often?
1.5 to 2 hours is necessary for each job. You can sign up for as many jobs as your schedule allows. It is helpful if you sign up on a weekly basis at the same place and time. We also appreciate when volunteers sign up for a one-time delivery within the same week to avoid our calling upon others to help in a pinch.
Can I earn volunteer hours and how?
Yes, the hours that you spend rescuing food can be claimed as volunteer hours. Students of all ages can participate as long as they can drive, or have a parent to ride with. If you need a certificate for volunteer hours, please keep a tab of how many drives you have done and reach out to us at the of every month or quarter and we will send in the certify the volunteer hours. You can email the hours to info@eathappynow.org Alternatively we can look up the hours and send you a certificate as well.
Is there training or are certifications needed?
No. The app contains all of the information you will need for each job. While a food handlers license is not needed, there are several food safety standards to follow. They are:
Wash your hands before each task; do not touch food with your bare hands.
Attach our allergy labels as directed.
Transport perishable food from the donor immediately to recipient in covered containers in a clean car.
When lifting heavier items, use proper technique (bend your knees) and/or ask for assistance if the weight is near your limitations.
Make sure the boot of your car is clean and does not have dog hair. It is a good idea to have a disposable table cloth or plastic sheet, to protect your car.