The Power of Showing Up
Every meal packed, hour served, and helping hand helps more New Yorkers feed their families. Your impact last year:
Volunteers showed up across the city
Hours served
Service value toward our mission
Explore Opportunities to Make a Difference
Featured
SNAP Call Support Center
Help New Yorkers navigate the SNAP (food stamps) application and recertification process.
Must be bilingual, 18+, and able to commit to ongoing service and training.
On-Site
Community Kitchen in West Harlem
Pantry Distribution
Pack and distribute grocery bags with fresh produce and shelf-stable goods at our Community Kitchen and Pantry in West Harlem.
Must be 14+ (under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian). Groups of up to 9 adults welcome.
Older Adult Center Support
Assist with workshops and activities at our Older Adult Center in Harlem, which supports seniors 60+ years old.
Meal Service
Welcome guests and serve hot meals at our Community Kitchen during Community Meal Service and Senior Lunch Service.
Must be 18+. Groups up to 6 welcome for Community Meal Service only.
On-Site
Hunts Point Warehouse in The Bronx
Warehouse Repack
Sort and repack bulk food at our warehouse at the Hunts Point Distribution Center in The Bronx.
- Groups of 10-25 volunteers
- 7+ years old (additional restrictions for youth groups)
- Available weekday mornings and afternoons
- For corporate groups, recommended sponsorship: $2,000
- Individual volunteers can check the Volunteer Portal for monthly public shifts
Corporate Volunteer Opportunities
Hunts Point Warehouse in the Bronx
Hunts Point Warehouse in the Bronx
Sort and repack bulk food at our Bronx distribution center.
Requirements:
- Groups of 10-25 volunteers
- 2-hour shifts
- Starting at $2,500 sponsorship
- Available weekday mornings and afternoons
Mobile Pantries
Mobile Pantries
Sponsor a Mobile Distribution
Help feed our city by sponsoring a mobile pantry distribution. Your team will help package and distribute food to up to 300 community members at one of our partners.
Welcoming groups of 10-15 people for 3-hour shifts with a $15,000 sponsorship.
Community Kitchen in West Harlem
Community Kitchen in West Harlem
Pantry Distribution
Pack and distribute grocery bags at our Community Kitchen and Pantry in West Harlem.
Welcoming small groups up to 9 volunteers (18+)
Community Meal Service
Every New Yorker deserves a hot meal at the end of the day. Welcome guests and help plate and serve over 300 hot, nutritious meals in our dining room at the Community Kitchen in West Harlem.
Welcoming small groups up to 7 volunteers for 3-hour shifts with a $1,000 sponsorship (ages 18+)
Face Hunger Simulation
Face Hunger Simulation
An interactive experience raising awareness about hunger through 90-minute role-playing exercises. Each participant takes on the role of someone facing food insecurity, navigating tough choices to provide for their family.
The session includes a guided introduction, immersive role-playing, and a reflective group discussion to deepen understanding of hunger’s root causes.
Requirements:
- Welcoming teams of 20-40 people
- Available virtually or in-person
- Up to 25 participants per simulation
- Costs $5,000
Customize a Volunteer Program
Partner with Food Bank to create a unique volunteer experience for your team.
Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
Pack Kits For Kindness
Prepare essential item kits from home for distribution at our Community Kitchen.
Volunteer Voices
Come to make an impact. Leave forever changed.
hours served
After a few weeks volunteering at Senior Lunch, I started recognizing familiar faces. Phoebe told me stories from her college years. Arnold joked about how he got his name. Kevin proudly showed off a new magnetic dartboard. Sweet connections, shared laughs, and lots of smiles.”
Noah Becker, 29
Community Kitchen & Pantry Volunteer
50
hours served
It’s humbling to witness the real impact of a warm meal. A family of four visits every day we serve. One afternoon, we had extra bananas—I handed a bunch to the father. His face lit up with gratitude. That small moment reminded me how even the simplest gestures can mean everything.”
Jackson Staal, 21
Community Meal & Senior Lunch Volunteer
27
hours served
On my very first day, after handing out the last pantry bag, I learned we had served over 300 New Yorkers. That moment moved me deeply—and it continues to fuel my commitment to give back.”
Margaret Bassey, 16
Pantry Distribution Volunteer
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