Questions on individual volunteer opportunities? Contact volunteer@foodbanknyc.org.
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 Community Opportunities
Opportunities for individuals, families, and community-based groups
Community Kitchen or Virtual
SNAP Call Center Support
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.
Community Kitchen
Free Farmers Market
Free Farmers Market
The Free Farmers Market allows our neighbors to select groceries that are the best fit for their families, with a focus on fresh produce. Join us for the day to help us distribute food to hundreds of community members!
Details
- Bi-monthly (2nd and 4th Tuesday) 9:15AM to 1:30PM
- Must be at least 14 years old with adult chaperone
- This project is not currently open to groups
- Individual sign up: https://volunteer.foodbanknyc.org/calendar
Community Kitchen
Older adult center support
Older Adult Center Support
The Community Kitchen’s Older Adult Center provides health, activity and social connection for those ages 60+. Volunteers are needed to assist with running various workshops and activities rooted in care and connection.
Details
- Weekdays, 3 to 5-hour shifts
- Must be at least 18 years old
- This project is not open to groups
- Individual sign up: https://volunteer.foodbanknyc.org/calendar
Community Kitchen
meal service
Meal Service
Details
- Weekdays, 2.5 to 3-hour shifts
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Welcoming individuals and small groups of up to 7
- Individual sign up: https://volunteer.foodbanknyc.org/calendar
- Group sign up: email volunteer@foodbanknyc.org
Hunts Point Distribution Center
repack
Repack
At our Distribution Center in the Bronx, volunteers play a hands-on role in sorting and repacking food for distribution across New York City. Their support helps ensure community partners throughout the five boroughs have the resources they need to serve our neighbors.
Requirements
- Weekdays, 2.5-hour shifts
- Must be at least 10 years old with adult chaperone (additional restrictions for youth groups apply)
- Welcoming groups of 10-25
- Group sign up: email volunteer@foodbanknyc.org
Virtual
kits for kindness
Kits for Kindness
Details
3 kits = 1 hour of service
Note: Since this is a self-led opportunity not directly supervised by Food Bank staff, this opportunity is not eligible for court-mandated service or SNAP ABAWD service.
Various Locations
Mobile Pantry
Mobile Pantry
Join us for the day to help us distribute food to 200-300 community members! Locations are throughout the city in the neighborhoods that Food Bank is prioritizing to infuse with fresh produce and healthy food options.
Details
- Weekdays and Saturdays, 4.5-hour shifts
- Must be at least 10 years old with adult chaperone (additional restrictions for youth groups apply)
- Welcoming individuals and small groups
- Individual sign up: https://volunteer.foodbanknyc.org/calendar
- Group sign up: email volunteer@foodbanknyc.org
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.”
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.”
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.”
I enjoyed how quickly and efficiently my students adapted to the activities described. Directions were clear, and I liked how welcoming the staff made us feel upon our arrival at the warehouse facility.
Looking for Corporate Volunteer Opportunities?
Questions on corporate volunteering? Contact partner@foodbanknyc.org and visit our page for all engagement opportunities.
Hunts Point Distribution Center
Repack
Repack
At our Distribution Center in the Bronx, volunteers play a hands-on role in sorting and repacking food for distribution across New York City. Their support helps ensure community partners throughout the five boroughs have the resources they need to serve our neighbors.
Details
- Weekdays, 2.5-hour shifts
- Welcoming groups of 10-25
- Sponsorships start at $2,500
Various Locations
Mobile Pantries
Mobile Pantries
Join us for the day to help us distribute food to 200-300 community members! Locations are throughout the city in the neighborhoods that Food Bank is prioritizing to infuse with fresh produce and healthy food options.
Details
- Weekdays and Saturdays, 4.5-hour shifts
- Welcoming groups of 10-15
- $15,000 sponsorship
Community Kitchen
Meal Service
Meal Service
Every New Yorker deserves a hot meal at the end of the day. Welcome guests and help plate and serve over 200 hot, nutritious meals in our dining room at the Community Kitchen.
Details
- Weekdays, 2.5 to 3-hour shifts
- Welcoming small groups of up to 7
- $1,000 sponsorship
Virtual or In-Office
Face Hunger™ Simulation
Face Hunger™ Simulation
An interactive experience raising awareness about hunger through 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.
Details
- 60 to 90-minute session
- Welcoming groups of 15-40
- Sponsorships start at $5,000
Virtual or In-Office
Custom programming
Custom Programming
Looking for a custom volunteer experience? Email partner@foodbanknyc.org.
The beauty of working with the Food Bank For NYC is they make it so easy for you to give back to our city…One of the best things about packing food is how tangible it is. Employees can clearly see how what they’re doing today will end up in the kitchens and bellies of young people across the city.”
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