“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
Become a Volunteer Tax Preparer
Each year, Food Bank’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides FREE tax filing services to hardworking New Yorkers citywide. In just one shift a week, you can return an average of $35,000 in tax returns to families in need. NO financial background needed! Food Bank provides free IRS Certification and all the training you need to get started. Slots are filling up fast, so reserve a training date today!
Contact us to learn how to sign up for one of our seasonal volunteer opportunities.
MLK Weekend
Help Our annual MLK Weekend of Service honors Dr. King’s commitment to service.
Recruiting through early Jan 2020.
Farmers Markets
Individuals and groups are welcome to help distribute produce from New York State farmers.
Recruitment starts Summer 2020.
Tax Preparation
As a tax preparer, connect your neighbors to much-needed tax credits & returns.
Recruiting through late Jan 2020.
NYCWFF 2020
Join Food Bank at the 2020 Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival.
Recruitment opens Summer 2020.
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.
