FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are many of the questions we are frequently asked about volunteering with PFS. If you need information that isn't listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly via email

Do I have the right expertise to volunteer?

Yes. Everyone has something that they can contribute when volunteering with Partners in Food Solutions. We have opportunities for people new in their career as well as those with with decades of experience. We have roles that require very specific, niche skills as well as roles that tap into general skills.

What is the time commitment? How long will projects last?

Projects on average require about one hour per week of your time and will last from six to nine months in duration.

When will I travel to Africa?

All of our volunteer work is done remotely, through email, phone and video conferencing. Because volunteers don't travel to visit their clients in person, our model is a much more cost effective way to help many more African client companies across the continent. 

Should I talk to my manager?

Yes. Though your manager might not know about PFS yet, the leadership of your company - including the CEO - has partnered with PFS specifically to give employees this unique opportunity to develop your skills and be part of a great effort to improve food security in Africa. Check out the 'Professional Development' tab on this site for more info on the many benefits of volunteering and how you can share your impact with your manager. 

What is the impact of our work?

Each volunteer is helping a entrepreneurial food business in Africa produce safer food for their community, improve their business and provide a stable market for farmers in their region. Your work with PFS is supporting systemic, long-lasting change in Africa by strengthening the local food value chain.

Does PFS provide funding to clients?

PFS does not provide money to clients. However, we are currently piloting a new low-interest loan program that would enable them to make capital improvements to their businesses so they can implement the recommendations of volunteers and take the next step to grow their business.

Why is my company involved in PFS?

All of our seven corporate partners have joined PFS because they believe that sharing their collective food industry experienced and knowledge can have a significant impact on improving food security in Africa and give their employees a unique opportunity to use their own skills to live out the values of the companies they work for.

What are the different roles / ways I can get involved?

PFS has a volunteer opportunity for everyone. Opportunities include working on a technical or business project with a client, managing a portfolio of clients, mentoring, using your expertise for short Ask-An-Expert questions. Make sure your are registered as a volunteer and check out our open positions to see what is available right now.

General Mills
General Mills, the founding member of Partners in Food Solutions, is one of the world’s leading food companies, operating in more than 100 countries and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Cargill
Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 150,000 people in 70 countries.
DSM
Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders.
Bühler
Bühler is a global leader in the field of process engineering, in particular production technologies and services for producing foods and manufacturing advanced materials. Bühler operates in over 140 countries and has a over 10,000 employees worldwide.
Hershey
The Hershey Company, headquartered in Hershey, PA, is a global confectionery leader known for bringing goodness to the world through its chocolate, sweets, mints and other great-tasting snacks.
Ardent Mills
Ardent Mills is dedicated to helping our customers innovate and grow, with the industry’s broadest range of flours, mixes, blends and specialty products.
Smucker's
Inspired by more than 120 years of business success and five generations of family leadership, The J.M. Smucker Company makes food that people and pets love. Our portfolio of 40+ brands, which are found in 90 percent of U.S. homes and countless restaurants.