“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
–Mahatma Gandhi
Some of the most important work done in the fight to end hunger is performed by volunteers. We simply could never afford to support 1.5 million New Yorkers without the generosity of time and talent offered by so many New Yorkers. Volunteers are needed throughout the year in morning, afternoon and evening shifts. Some of the important jobs include ensuring food doesn’t go to waste, packing meals for our campus pantries, helping seniors at our Harlem site, and ensuring a clean, healthy environment for the many New Yorkers turning to us daily for help. Whether you serve solo, as apart of a group, or as a family, there are many ways for you to make an impact. Here are a few of our ongoing and seasonal opportunities below. We look forward to your serving with us soon and often.
Start Your Service Journey Here
2018 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
Food Bank For New York City’s free citywide tax assistance and financial services program helps low-income families and individuals take a significant step from food poverty toward self-sufficiency. And we rely on volunteers to support this impactful anti-poverty work. In the last 15 years, Food Bank’s tax program has put more than $1 billion back into the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers who are unable to afford expensive accountants and tax services. Through the support of IRS certified volunteer tax preparers, Food Bank is able to offer the same expertise and professionalism – free of charge.
Transition your financial skills into goodwill, and help thousands of low income New Yorkers receive free tax refunds and credits that can stabilize their lives and while bringing in more funds into New York City. In 2016 alone, each volunteer secured an average of $35,000 in refunds for New Yorkers in need.
Email us at taxvolunteer@foodbanknyc.org with any questions!
Contact us to learn how to sign up for one of our seasonal volunteer opportunities.
Holiday Meals
Holidays are especially busy for us. Join us at special projects during these times.
Open recruitment
MLK Weekend
Help Our annual MLK Weekend of Service honors Dr. King’s commitment to service.
Recruitment starts in Sept.
NYCWFF 2018
Join Food Bank at the 2018 Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival.
Recruitment starts summer 2018
Campus Pantry
Help unload food from our trucks and set up a pantry on campus for families to visit.
Recruitment starts in Sept.
Farmers Markets
Individuals and groups are welcome to help distribute produce from New York State farmers.
Recruitment starts in June
Tax Preparation
As a tax preparer, connect your neighbors to much-needed and rightfully earned tax credits & returns. Click here for more info!
Recruitment starts in Nov.
Food Bank’s Signature Custom Service Project, Food Bank 2 Go, designs and tailors meal-packing projects* to fit your organization’s needs and delivers the packed boxes to clients within hours of assembly.
Contact us to get started!
Customized
Contact our Corporate Relations team, describe your ideal volunteer experience, and Food Bank will design a custom opportunity for your organization.
Convenient
FoodBank2Go is like bringing our 90,000 sq. ft. warehouse to your organization's doorstep -- be it a corporate headquarters, a place of worship, or a public space.
Versatile
FoodBank2Go is suitable for large or small groups; for family-friendly parties or corporate team-building retreats; and can go anywhere, anytime in New York City.
*Note: customized projects include a sponsorship fee.
Need a Customized Volunteer Experience for your Group?
Organizations can partner with Food Bank’s Volunteer Engagement team to describe their ideal volunteer experience and Food Bank will design and deliver a custom opportunity to a location of your choice. NOTE: Customized projects include a sponsorship fee. If you have no/limited budget, please contact volunteer@foodbanknyc.org.
Join Us in 3 Easy Steps:
Share Your Volunteer Story!
Have you volunteered with us? We want to hear from you! Share your story and photos for a chance to be featured on our website and social media pages.
Visit our FAQs to learn more about volunteering to help hungry New Yorkers.
