Challenge
Although Blaze Your Trail has previously implemented Volunteers for Salesforce, FoodFilled was using Google Forms to collect information about completed volunteer shifts. These forms were not integrated with Salesforce, could not offer detailed reporting, and hindered the effectiveness of FoodFilled's food rescue operations.
Solution
Blaze Your Trail improved the feedback and reporting process by replacing the existing Google Form with a Salesforce form hosted on an Experience site portal.
This allows volunteers to report food donation details after completing their shifts. They can log the type and quantity of food collected, upload photos and indicate whether the shift was completed or not, including reasons for any issues. Automated emails are sent to volunteers at the start of each shift with a link to the form, followed by reminders if it's not submitted within 24 hours and escalations to FoodFilled after 48 hours.
All submitted data is stored and includes detailed environmental impact metrics such as CO₂, water, methane, electricity and land use savings, based on set formulas. A real-time dashboard was also created to visually depict food rescue efforts, showing donation weights, shift performance, environmental impact and meals created.
Benefits
Security
Moving data storage from Google Sheets to Salesforce allows FoodFilled to leverage Salesforce’s secure cloud infrastructure, providing stronger protection for sensitive information and preventing unauthorised access or data breaches.
Efficiency & Data Quality
The new solution streamlines data collection, enhances data accuracy, improves operational efficiency and ensures timely reporting and follow-ups for FoodFilled's food rescue activities.
Automated processes and centralised data management reduce manual work and minimise errors, while Salesforce ensures reliable, consistent and easily accessible information throughout the organisation.
Streamlined Communication
Automated emails and notifications help ensure timely follow-ups and improved volunteer engagement.
Better Reporting & Insights
Built-in analytics and dashboards allow for deeper insights and faster decision-making.
In their own words...
This project drastically improved our efficiency and systems for coordinating all of our operations and stakeholder management.
Rob Miller
Acting CEO
