Alameda County Community Food Bank

Volunteering

Join us in breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty! Volunteers are vital to the Food Bank's mission of helping people in need.

Last year nearly 4,500 volunteers dedicated more than 39,000 hours to help connect people in need with food, educate the community and lawmakers about hunger and poverty, keep the Food Bank office and warehouse running smoothly, assist with special events, provide technical assistance and more.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Organize a Food Drive
It’s easy, it’s fun and helps build muscles! We have been experiencing a shortage of donated food and need your help. Please consider organizing a Food Drive at your work, school, church or with your community group. We’ll supply everything you’ll need. Call 510-635-3663, ext. 318 or email us for more information.
Food Helpline
Shifts: Monday-Friday, 9 am – Noon and 1 – 4 pm.
Our Food Helpline has been ringing off the hook! Volunteers are needed to staff the food helpline, especially those who are bi-lingual (Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese). The Food Helpline (1-800-870-3663) refers residents in need to food providers in their neighborhoods. You must be comfortable on the phone and have basic computer skills. Requires minimum 3-month commitment of at least one shift per week. For more information, call (510) 635-3663 ext. 308.
Weekday Food Sorting
Sort, screen, box and shelve donated food.
Individuals and groups are needed to help sort food into boxes that are distributed to the Food Bank’s partner agencies. Individual volunteers need to attend a 1 hour orientation, held at 12:45 pm on Wednesdays. Groups—corporate, business, church, youth or other—are not required to attend a Wednesday orientation. Call (510) 635-3663, ext. 308 to sign up.
Saturday Food Sorting (Selected Saturdays)
February 20, March 6 & 20, April 10 & 24
Shifts: 9am – Noon and 1 – 4 pm

Volunteers needed to screen, sort, box and shelve donated food items, label cans and repackage donated food. Groups and individuals, and children age 10 and over accompanied by adults are welcome. Call (510) 635-3663 ext. 308 to sign up.

Note: Saturday volunteer opportunities usually fill at least 8-10 weeks in advance.
General Office Help
General clerical help is an ongoing need for us. May include preparing mailings, phone calls, data entry, filing, and special projects. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm.
Advocacy
Get political and help address hunger at its root cause. Volunteers are invited to attend monthly meetings focused around food security issues at the local, state and national level or help with office work related to the Food Bank’s advocacy and education programs. Please contact Betsy Edwards by email.

IMPORTANT: If you are coming with minors we require a 1/5 ratio, one adult-chaperone per five youth. The teachers/parents will be the supervisors for the group.

Want more information? Sign up to be sent more information.

Pantry Program
Learn more about our Pantry Program for low-income volunteers.

Questions? Or if you want to sign up for a group:
Please call the volunteer manager at (510) 635-3663, ext. 308.

Click the image below to see a photo collage (PDF file) of the
2009 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic