Shepherd’s Table’s Policies
The Shepherd's Table Volunteer Policies and Procedures
Our Commitment
The Shepherd’s Table is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all volunteers, staff, and guests. This manual outlines essential policies to guide your service. Please review carefully, and contact the Director with any questions.
1. Attendance Policy
Punctuality is crucial to our daily operations.
Notify the Director or your supervisor if you will be late or absent.
Do not come in sick — our mission revolves around food safety.
In inclement weather, we follow Horry County Schools' closings.
2. Age Requirements
Minimum age: 12 years old
Ages 12–17 may:
Prep, serve, clean, stock, and reorganize shelves
Work only when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone
Serve and clean the dining area, not the kitchen
Must be in groups supervised by 2–3 adults, depending on group size
3. Dress Code
Maintain a clean, professional appearance:
Closed-toe, non-slip shoes only (no sandals or flip-flops)
Long hair must be tied back or under a hat
No revealing clothing (no short shorts, mini skirts, or low-cut tops)
Minimal jewelry; gloves required for painted/artificial nails
Clothing should be comfortable, not loose
No offensive slogans or graphics on clothing
Aprons and gloves must be worn in food service areas
No secure lockers: store valuables in your vehicle
Supervisors reserve the right to request that you modify your attire or reschedule if necessary.
4. Safety Policies
Follow Safe Food Handling Procedures
No running, roughhousing, or taste-testing
Max 8 volunteers in the kitchen at one time
Gloves are required when preparing or handling food
Guests are not allowed behind the kitchen or serving stations
Report all injuries to a staff member immediately
No weapons permitted on the premises
5. Health and Hygiene
No gum chewing, eating, or drinking in food service areas
Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap
Cover coughs/sneezes; wash hands or change gloves afterward
Stay home if you are ill
6. Good Neighbor Policies
Show kindness and compassion
Respect guests, volunteers, and staff
Report conflicts to a staff member or the Director
Do not take items for personal use without express permission
Meals are for guests; ask a supervisor if you need a plate
Never share personal information with guests
Volunteers should park in designated areas away from the main entrance
7. Anti-Harassment & Discrimination
The Shepherd's Table prohibits harassment or discrimination of any kind. All individuals are expected to treat each other with respect and dignity.
Harassment includes unwanted conduct (verbal, physical, or visual) related to any protected characteristic or attribute.
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome advances, comments, gestures, or visual displays.
Retaliation against someone who files a complaint is strictly prohibited.
Report any concerns to a supervisor, Director, or Board Member. All complaints will be investigated promptly and in a confidential manner.
8. Privacy Policy
No photographing, video, or audio recording without written permission
Media representatives must receive prior approval from the Director
A staff member must accompany any interviews on-site
Client and guest privacy is paramount; respect confidentiality at all times
9. Fraud, Theft & Waste
Stealing, fraud, or food waste will result in immediate dismissal and may lead to police involvement.
Report any observed misconduct to your supervisor or the Director.
10. Door Policy
The front door remains locked outside of operating hours
Only authorized personnel are permitted during office hours
Donations must be signed in at the front office
Assist those who come seeking help by referring them to the appropriate agency.
10. Food Policy
NO FOOD will be taken from the Shepherd’s Table without the expressed permission of the Director and/or his/her designee.
11. General Policies
All donations and equipment issues must be reported
No personal business should be conducted on the premises
Do not discuss or post about guests on social media
All guests should be treated with respect and confidentiality
Report threats or concerns immediately to the staff
Maintain proper records for client services
12. Volunteer Waiver of Liability
Volunteers must complete and sign the Release and Waiver of Liability form prior to beginning their service. This includes acknowledgment of:
No compensation or benefits
Assumption of risk for any injuries or illnesses
No authority to represent the nonprofit without express permission
Agreement to allow use of photographs or video taken during service
Shepherd’s Table Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy
Shepherd’s Table is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone who engages with our organization. We welcome our neighbors, staff, volunteers, partners, and visitors across differences in race, ethnicity, income, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, gender identity, and family structure.
Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or exclusion of any kind are not tolerated.
Non-Discrimination
Shepherd’s Table does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital or familial status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all programs, services, activities, and employment practices of Shepherd’s Table.
Anti-Harassment
All staff members, volunteers, contractors, vendors, and neighbors are expected to treat one another with dignity and respect. Harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Harassment includes unwelcome verbal, physical, or visual conduct based on a protected characteristic that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to:
Derogatory or disparaging comments, slurs, epithets, or jokes
Offensive gestures, staring, or nonverbal behavior
Unwanted physical contact, including touching, blocking movement, or assault
Displaying or sharing offensive or explicit images, graphics, or messages, including via email, text, or social media
Retaliation against an individual for raising a concern or participating in an investigation
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, including:
Unwanted touching, hugging, kissing, or physical contact
Sexual comments about a person’s body or appearance
Displaying sexually explicit or suggestive materials
Offering benefits in exchange for sexual favors
Threats or retaliation following the rejection of sexual advances
Reporting Concerns
Anyone who believes they have experienced or witnessed discrimination or harassment is encouraged to take the following steps:
If appropriate and safe, inform the individual that the behavior is unwelcome
Report the concern to a supervisor, the Executive Director, a Board Member, or the Board Chair
All complaints will be taken seriously and investigated promptly and confidentially to the extent possible. Information will be shared only with those who need to know in order to conduct a thorough review. Individuals involved will have the opportunity to provide their perspective.
No Retaliation
Retaliation against any individual for reporting discrimination or harassment, or for participating in an investigation, is strictly prohibited. Any individual found to have engaged in retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the premises and termination of their relationship with Shepherd’s Table.
Shepherd’s Table Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy
Shepherd’s Table is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone who engages with our organization. We welcome our neighbors, staff, volunteers, partners, and visitors across differences in race, ethnicity, income, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, gender identity, and family structure.
Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or exclusion of any kind are not tolerated.
Non-Discrimination
Shepherd’s Table does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital or familial status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all programs, services, activities, and employment practices of Shepherd’s Table.
Anti-Harassment
All staff members, volunteers, contractors, vendors, and neighbors are expected to treat one another with dignity and respect. Harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Harassment includes unwelcome verbal, physical, or visual conduct based on a protected characteristic that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to:
Derogatory or disparaging comments, slurs, epithets, or jokes
Offensive gestures, staring, or nonverbal behavior
Unwanted physical contact, including touching, blocking movement, or assault
Displaying or sharing offensive or explicit images, graphics, or messages, including via email, text, or social media
Retaliation against an individual for raising a concern or participating in an investigation
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, including:
Unwanted touching, hugging, kissing, or physical contact
Sexual comments about a person’s body or appearance
Displaying sexually explicit or suggestive materials
Offering benefits in exchange for sexual favors
Threats or retaliation following the rejection of sexual advances
Reporting Concerns
Anyone who believes they have experienced or witnessed discrimination or harassment is encouraged to take the following steps:
If appropriate and safe, inform the individual that the behavior is unwelcome
Report the concern to a supervisor, the Executive Director, a Board Member, or the Board Chair
All complaints will be taken seriously and investigated promptly and confidentially to the extent possible. Information will be shared only with those who need to know in order to conduct a thorough review. Individuals involved will have the opportunity to provide their perspective.
No Retaliation
Retaliation against any individual for reporting discrimination or harassment, or for participating in an investigation, is strictly prohibited. Any individual found to have engaged in retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the premises and termination of their relationship with Shepherd’s Table.