Is there a handbook I can read before my shift?

Yes. Our Volunteer Handbook walks you through everything you’ll want to know ahead of time, like what to expect during your shift, food and workplace safety, youth volunteer requirements, accommodations, and more. We recommend reading before you come in.

What is the age limit to volunteer?

All volunteers under 18 years old will need a signed parent consent form.

Volunteers under 16 years old will need a parent/guardian (18+) present to volunteer.

I want to bring my group. How do we sign up?

Group requests can be made if your team has 6 members or more. You can reserve spots for a group by filling out our group request form. Note: Food Lifeline counts on you to fill the spots that you reserve.

Youth groups must have a minimum parent to youth ratio of 1:5.

What should I wear for my volunteer session?

Closed toed shoes are required to volunteer. You could be packing in the cooler, or breaking a sweat in the warehouse, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately for weather.

How do I register to volunteer?

All volunteers must create an account with Food Lifeline to register for an opportunity.

Does my child need an account to register to volunteer?

All volunteers will need an account to register to volunteer. Accounts cannot be shared. If your child does not have an email address, they may use a parent/guardians’ email address when creating an account.

What if I need to cancel?

We plan our projects around our volunteer numbers, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible and reschedule for an alternative date.

What will I be doing?

Projects vary day to day to fit the needs of our partner agencies, and what is in our warehouse. Please come prepared to work on any specific projects. If you have a concern about potential projects, please feel free to email the volunteer team (volunteer@foodlifeline.org).

How early should I arrive?

We ask that volunteers arrive 15 minutes before their volunteer session. Volunteers more than 10 minutes late to a session will have to reschedule.

I need to leave early. Should I still volunteer?

We ask that volunteers stay for the entirety of their shift. If you need to leave early, please reschedule your session for a different date.

Do I need to sign up in advance?

We ask that every volunteer preregister, children included.

What if I have food allergies?

Because our food is donated, we cannot guarantee that it will be allergen-free.Please take precautions in the event that you may come into contact with a food allergen.

Are you able to fulfill court ordered hours?

Yes. Food Lifeline does accept individuals looking to fulfill hours for school, court ordered, etc. Please visit our website for how to get your hours verified.

Can I bring my service animal with me?

Yes. Volunteers who need a service animal are welcome at Food Lifeline. Under the ADA, a service animal is a dog or miniature horse trained to do tasks related to a person’s disability. Comfort or emotional support animals don’t qualify.

Service animals are allowed in our administrative offices and dry storage areas. They are not permitted in the cooler, freezer, or any space where open food is prepared for distribution, so we will assign you to a task outside those areas. We do ask for at least 72 hours’ notice before your shift so we can plan the right assignment and make sure we’re ready for you. A service animal may be asked to leave if its behavior poses a safety risk to others.

To get started, email the volunteer team (volunteer@foodlifeline.org) and we’ll help you plan your session.

Can I request additional assistance?

Food Lifeline works to accommodate all volunteers, please contact the Volunteer Program at volunteer@foodlifeline.org with any accommodation needs.