Food Not Bombs Hobart

Food Not Bombs Hobart is built by everyday people contributing what they can. Some volunteers cook. Some collect food. Some drive. Some talk to people. Some take photos, clean up, write posts, or simply help carry tables.

There are no “perfect volunteers” here. Many roles overlap, and people are encouraged to learn different parts of the project over time.

Our chapter operates through cooperation, shared responsibility, and consensus-based decision making, inspired by the wider Food Not Bombs movement. (foodnotbombs.net)

Food Rescue Team

This team helps recover surplus food from bakeries, supermarkets, cafes, growers, markets, and community donors.

Responsibilities may include:

• Picking up donated food
• Checking food quality and safety
• Sorting produce
• Building relationships with local donors
• Reducing food waste in the community

This role is one of the foundations of Food Not Bombs worldwide. (foodnotbombs.net)

Kitchen Team

The kitchen team prepares meals and helps transform rescued ingredients into nourishing food for sharing.

Responsibilities may include:

• Washing and preparing vegetables
• Cooking meals
• Packaging food
• Maintaining kitchen hygiene
• Experimenting with simple low-cost recipes

No professional cooking experience is needed.

Share Table & Outreach Team

This team helps create a welcoming atmosphere during food shares and community events.

Responsibilities may include:

• Setting up tables and serving areas
• Greeting people
• Offering food respectfully
• Talking with community members
• Sharing information about upcoming events
• Helping create a calm and safe environment

Food Not Bombs is about community connection, not just handing out meals.

Food Distribution Team

This team helps connect extra food with people who need it. They build relationships and help make sure food reaches the community instead of going to waste.

Responsibilities may include:

• Coordinating food collection and distribution
• Building relationships with community organisations
• Identifying people and groups who may benefit from support
• Creating new ways to share food and resources
• Encouraging people to get involved as volunteers, donors, and supporters
• Promoting mutual aid, participation, and community connection
• Assisting with transport, deliveries, and distribution when needed

This role is about more than moving food. It is about building connections, creating opportunities to help, and growing a community where everyone can contribute.

Creative & Media Team

This team helps tell the story of the project and connect with the wider community.

Responsibilities may include:

• Photography and video
• Writing social media posts
• Designing posters or flyers
• Updating the website
• Sharing stories of kindness and solidarity
• Promoting events and volunteer opportunities

Good storytelling helps people understand the reality of food insecurity and mutual aid.

Community Care Team

This role focuses on supporting healthy volunteer culture and practical care within the group.

Responsibilities may include:

• Checking in on volunteers
• Helping new people feel welcome
• Supporting communication between volunteers
• Watching for burnout
• Helping maintain respectful group culture

Strong communities are built through relationships, trust, and consistency.

Donations & Resource Support

This team helps source the practical items needed to keep food shares running.

Responsibilities may include:

• Coordinating donations
• Sourcing kitchen equipment
• Finding blankets, coats, or useful supplies
• Managing fuel or transport support
• Building partnerships with local businesses and community groups

Even small contributions can keep the project moving.

Event & Music Team

Food Not Bombs has always included creativity, art, music, and public gathering as part of community life. (foodnotbombs.net)

Responsibilities may include:

• Organising community meals
• Coordinating musicians or performers
• Planning awareness events
• Helping with stalls, banners, or public activities
• Creating welcoming public spaces

Coordination & Facilitation

FNB Hobart uses shared coordination rather than traditional hierarchy.

Some volunteers may temporarily help:

• Coordinate rosters
• Facilitate meetings
• Organise schedules
• Keep communication flowing
• Help tasks run smoothly

These are service roles, not positions of authority. Roles can rotate so knowledge and responsibility are shared across the group. (Reddit)

Everyone Can Participate

Some people volunteer every week. Others help once a month. Some can only donate food, fuel, skills, or encouragement.

Every contribution matters.

Whether you are cooking soup, washing dishes, carrying tables, singing songs, rescuing bread, or simply showing up with kindness — you are helping build community.