“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
Welcome to Summer!
We are so excited to have you join us to serve our amazing clients this summer. As the weather gets warmer, please keep the following dress code in mind for your safety in our facilities:
Dress Code:
Closed-toed shoes and shirts with sleeves are REQUIRED. No tank tops. Short or long sleeves only.
Long pants or skirts at or below the knee required.
NO Short-shorts.
We have a restroom where you can change your attire if needed. Looking forward to serving with you all summer long!
Weekend Repack Opportunities Available
Every week at our Distribution Center in Hunts Point, food is donated, stored, repacked and distributed to our network of community-based member organizations throughout the five boroughs. This can only happen thanks to the help of volunteers like you. We need 500 volunteers a week to help us repack over one million pounds of food every year!
We just added a new weekend repack opportunities, taking place at our Bronx Warehouse, 355 Food Center Drive, on:
- Saturday, June 16th 10am-1pm
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.
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.
Farmers Markets
Individuals and groups are welcome to help distribute produce from New York State farmers.
Recruiting through Nov.
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.
