Participant & Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liability

Introduction and Description of SHARE Alliance Activities

This Participant and Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liability (this “Release”) is executed on the date set forth below by the individual named below (“Participant” or “I”), in favor of S.H.A.R.E. Alliance, a New Jersey nonprofit organization, and its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and agents (collectively, “SHARE Alliance”).

By signing below, Participant agrees to the terms of this Release on Participant’s own behalf, and, if applicable, on behalf of any minor children identified below and any family members or guests Participant brings to SHARE Alliance programs (the “Activities”).

I understand that the Activities may include, but are not limited to: food and grocery distribution events; volunteering at or assisting with food pantries, food drives, sorting, packing, and gleaning; picking up, transporting, or delivering food and other donated goods; participating in community outreach, education, or advocacy events; visiting SHARE Alliance facilities or distribution sites; and participating in appointments, intake, or other programs offered or organized by SHARE Alliance, whether on-site, off-site, or through partner organizations. In exchange for being allowed to participate in the Activities and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which I acknowledge, I hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress execute this Release and agree to the following terms.

1. Assumption of Risk

I am aware and understand that the Activities may involve physical labor, lifting and carrying of goods, exposure to the outdoors and to vehicular traffic, use of hand trucks, carts, or other equipment, and travel to and from distribution or pickup sites, and that these Activities may expose me to a variety of foreseen and unforeseen hazards and risks, including the risk of serious injury, disability, death, disease, illness (including foodborne illness), and/or property damage. I acknowledge that any injuries I sustain may result from or be compounded by the actions, omissions, or negligence of SHARE Alliance, including negligent emergency response. Notwithstanding these risks, I acknowledge that I am voluntarily participating in the Activities with knowledge of the danger involved, and I agree to accept and assume any and all risks of injury, disability, death, disease, illness, and/or property damage arising from the Activities, whether caused by the ordinary negligence of SHARE Alliance or otherwise.

2. Medical Treatment

I give my consent and authority to SHARE Alliance to obtain emergency medical treatment on my behalf if I am injured or require medical attention while participating in the Activities. I understand and agree that I am solely responsible for all costs related to such medical treatment or medical transportation. I release, forever discharge, indemnify, and hold harmless SHARE Alliance from any claim whatsoever in connection with such treatment or other medical services.

I understand that participation in the Activities may involve close contact with other volunteers, staff, and members of the public, and I accept the risk of exposure to communicable illnesses that may accompany such contact. I understand that food handling and distribution activities are governed by applicable New Jersey food safety guidance and that SHARE Alliance staff and volunteers are expected to follow SHARE Alliance’s current health and safety policies and procedures.

3. Release and Waiver

I hereby fully and forever release and discharge SHARE Alliance from, and expressly waive, any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, that may arise from my participation in the Activities. I agree not to make or bring any such claim or demand against SHARE Alliance, and I fully and forever release and discharge SHARE Alliance from liability under any such claims or demands.

I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS RELEASE DISCHARGES SHARE ALLIANCE FROM ANY LIABILITY OR CLAIM THAT I, MY NEXT OF KIN, HEIRS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEPENDENTS, BENEFICIARIES, AND ASSIGNS MAY HAVE AGAINST SHARE ALLIANCE WITH RESPECT TO ANY BODILY INJURY, PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR PROPERTY LOSS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE ACTIVITIES, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF SHARE ALLIANCE OR OTHERWISE.

Nothing in this Release is intended to, nor shall it, release SHARE Alliance from liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any liability that cannot lawfully be waived under New Jersey law.

4. Insurance

I UNDERSTAND THAT SHARE ALLIANCE DOES NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR, OR OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE, FINANCIAL OR OTHER ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MEDICAL, HEALTH, OR DISABILITY INSURANCE OF ANY NATURE, IN THE EVENT OF MY INJURY, ILLNESS, OR DEATH, OR DAMAGE TO OR LOSS OF MY PROPERTY.

I expressly waive any claim for compensation or liability on the part of SHARE Alliance in the event of any injury, illness, or related expense.

5. Indemnification

I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SHARE Alliance from any and all liability, losses, damages, judgments, or expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, the costs of enforcing any right to indemnification under this Release, and the cost of pursuing any insurance providers, arising out of or resulting from any claim of a third party related to my participation in the Activities, including any claim related to my own negligence or the ordinary negligence of SHARE Alliance.

6. Transportation Waiver

If SHARE Alliance provides, organizes, or facilitates transportation of me, my goods, or donated food and supplies in connection with the Activities — including transportation to or from distribution sites, pickup locations, or delivery routes — I understand there are special dangers and risks inherent in being transported by, or transporting goods in, a vehicle, including the risk of serious physical injury, death, or other harmful consequences. I assume all risk of injury, damage, and harm that may arise from such transportation. I release and hold harmless SHARE Alliance and waive any right of recovery I may have to bring a claim or lawsuit for damages against SHARE Alliance for any personal injury, death, or other harmful consequences arising out of transportation connected to the Activities. I grant full and voluntary consent to such transportation.

7. Photo and Media Release

I grant SHARE Alliance permission to photograph or video record me during the Activities and to use such images or recordings for SHARE Alliance’s educational, promotional, fundraising, and outreach purposes, including on its website and social media, without compensation to me. I may revoke this permission at any time by written notice to SHARE Alliance, which will apply prospectively only.

8. Miscellaneous

This Release represents the full understanding between SHARE Alliance and me and supersedes all other prior agreements, understandings, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, between us, with respect to its subject matter. If any term or provision of this Release is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, that term or provision shall be deemed modified so as to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted, and the invalidity of that term or provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions. This Release binds and benefits SHARE Alliance and me and our respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns. Section headings are for convenience only and do not define, modify, expand, or limit any term of this Release.

9. Governing Law and Venue

This Release is governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New Jersey, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles. I agree that this waiver and Release are intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted under New Jersey law, and that if any portion is held invalid, the balance shall nonetheless continue in full legal force and effect. Any action arising out of or related to this Release shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in New Jersey.

SHARE Alliance Volunteer and Visitor Code of Conduct

To promote a safe and welcoming environment for everyone we serve, individuals are asked to act appropriately at all times while participating in SHARE Alliance Activities or on SHARE Alliance property. We expect all volunteers, participants, and visitors to act maturely, behave responsibly, and respect the rights and dignity of others. The list below is illustrative and not an exhaustive statement of behaviors considered inappropriate.

• Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any type of menacing behavior.
• Physical contact with another person in an angry, aggressive, or threatening way.
• Verbally abusive behavior, including angry or vulgar language, swearing, name-calling, or shouting.
• Sexually explicit conversation or behavior; any sexual contact with another person.
• Inappropriate, immodest, or sexually revealing attire.
• Theft, or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property or donated goods.
• Using or possessing alcohol or illegal substances on SHARE Alliance property or at SHARE Alliance activities.
• Disregard of site guidelines, including posted safety, food-handling, and site-access rules.
• Smoking or vaping on SHARE Alliance property or at SHARE Alliance activities.
• Children under the age of 13 must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times while on-site or participating in Activities.
• Carrying or concealing a weapon, or any device or object that may be used as a weapon.
• Any other conduct of an inappropriate, threatening, or offensive nature.