Volunteer

Some of the most important work done in the fight to end hunger is performed by volunteers. We rely on the help of volunteers for important jobs like ensuring food doesn’t go to waste, packing meals for our campus pantries, and helping prepare and serve meals to seniors at our Harlem site. Whether you serve solo, as apart of a group, or as a family, there are many ways for you to make an impact – see below!

Start Your Service Journey Here

for Volunteers serving DURING food bank's COVID-19 response efforts

This letter confirms that Food Bank is deemed an essential business under Executive Order 202.6 and is therefore exempt from the in-person restriction. Volunteers may carry this letter as verification when traveling to our sites for scheduled service.

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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!

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.

See a full list of our available volunteer opportunities here.

Prepare Hot Meals
Let your Inner Chef shine by sporting an apron, gloves, and heart for our daily meals served at our Harlem based community kitchen.

Serve Meals to Harlem
Share a smiling face and serve a hot and healthy plate to a New Yorker in need.

Serve the City from The Bronx
Sort, weigh, and repackage vital food and products needed by families from all over NYC.

Serve as a Family
From weekend repacks to family shopping, your family is needed in service to others.

Restock Shelves
Guide clients, restock shelves and ensure everyone leaves our pantry happy.

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.

Contact Us

Join Us in 3 Easy Steps:

REGISTER ONLINE

Track your impact and share your experience.

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

Find where your impact is needed most.

START YOUR FIRST PROJECT

Join fellow Food Bankers in the fight against hunger.

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.