How to Volunteer at a Local Food Bank

According to America's Second Harvest, in 2005 hunger affected over 35 million Americans. Local food banks work to help alleviate the stress of not having enough food to eat. An important part of the effort required for local food banks to succeed happens through volunteer activism and dedication. Food banks need telephone workers, food pantry workers, and community outreach positions to be filled by volunteer workers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Volunteer at a Local Food Bank

1. Search the Volunteer Match website to search for volunteer opportunities at a local food bank (see Resources below). Enter your zip code, the distance you are willing to travel and mark your interest area as "hunger" to conduct a relevant search.

2. Find a local food bank to volunteer your time to through America's Second Harvest. Search the America's Second Harvest website to find a food bank in the Second Harvest network (see Resources below). You can search for local food banks and food rescue organizations from the front page of the America's Second Harvest website.

3. Call your local food bank to ask about volunteer positions available. Be patient and courteous to the food bank staff while inquiring about volunteering. Food banks are often understaffed and under funded, which could cause a slow response to volunteer inquiries.

4. Offer to help transport food from your local food bank to community programs that need it. A volunteer with a reliable vehicle is a needed asset for local food banks who provide several community organizations and schools with food services.

5. Volunteer by working in your garden and donating the extra fruits and vegetables to your local food bank. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always needed at food banks, and sharing your home grown food is a rewarding way to volunteer time and food.

6. Take initiative and organize a food drive or benefit for your local food bank. Get your friends and family to volunteer their time while you work directly with your local food bank to plan a successful event.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a virtual volunteer opportunity if you do not have time to physically volunteer at a local food bank. Search "virtual volunteering" on the Volunteer Match website to find ways you can volunteer your time to help wipe out hunger online.

Resources

• See the Volunteer Match website for volunteer opportunities.
• Visit America's Second Harvest website for local food banks.