2Stage 2 of 6Get ready
What to wear
Confirm with Houston Food Bank. Check their page (opens Houston Food Bank's site)
You'll work in a warehouse with moving carts and machines. The dress code keeps you safe.
Can I wear this?Do
- Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes that cover your whole foot
- A shirt with sleeves that covers your midriff
- Pants, sweatpants, knee-length shorts or capris
- Clothes that fit well, with nothing loose or dangling
Don't
- Sandals, slides, Crocs or house slippers
- Tank tops, crop tops or muscle shirts
- Ripped or distressed jeans
- Leggings, tights or spandex
- Skirts or dresses
- Sunglasses
- Explicit phrases or political messages on clothing
- Jewelry, even small earrings
Need a religious exemption for skirts or dresses? Contact Volunteer Services before your shift.
Source · Checked Oct 4, 2026
What to bring and what to leave
Do
- Your phone, to check in and find your way. You'll put it away in the warehouse
- A school or work form, if you need proof of your hours
- A warm layer if your shift is in the Protein Pack Room
Don't
- Valuables and jewelry
- Earbuds
- Strollers and wagons
- Outside food
Free lockers are inside for anything you bring.
Source · Checked Oct 4, 2026
When to stay home
You'll handle food for neighbors, so Houston Food Bank asks you to reschedule if any of these apply to you today:
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- A skin infection or rash
- Discharge from your ears, eyes, gums or mouth
- Open cuts or wounds on your hands or forearms
- Fever, chills or loss of appetite
- Recent contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
Wait at least two weeks after symptoms are completely gone before you come back.
First Shift never asks about your health. This list is just for you to check.
Source · Checked Oct 4, 2026
Timing
Our suggestionPlan to arrive about 15 minutes before your shift. That gives you time to park, check in and store your things.
Stay for the whole shift. Cleanup at the end is part of it.
If you arrive more than 30 minutes late, you may be asked to reschedule. You'd miss the safety and project instructions.
Source · Checked Oct 4, 2026
Food and water
- Eat before you come. Outside food isn't allowed.
- You can eat only in the Lobby and the Community Rooms, never in project areas. No gum or drinks there either.
- The Lobby has a water and iced tea station, and there are water fountains throughout the building.
- The Texans Cafe sells breakfast and lunch on weekdays, and there's a Starbucks counter.
Source · Checked Oct 4, 2026
Hot or cold?
Confirm with Houston Food Bank. Check their page (opens Houston Food Bank's site)
Some project areas are climate-controlled and some aren't, so it can feel hot or cold depending on the weather. You'll be on your feet most of the shift. The Protein Pack Room is kept cold, so bring a warm layer if you're working there.
Source · Checked Oct 4, 2026
Training
Confirm with Houston Food Bank. Check their page (opens Houston Food Bank's site)
Staff give a short orientation at the start of every shift. Check your confirmation message for anything you need to do ahead of time.
Source · Checked Oct 4, 2026
Rules can change. Your confirmation message and Houston Food Bank staff have the final word.
First Shift is a student prototype made for Houston Food Bank's review. It is not an official Houston Food Bank app. For official information, visit houstonfoodbank.org/volunteer.