​Volunteer

Food Bank ​Volunteers are vital to Second Harvest Food Bank, we depend on the time and efforts of our food bank volunteers to help us better serve our community.

Volunteer Hours
Monday & Tuesday: 9:30am-11:30am
Thursday: 9:30am-11:30am
​If you are interested in volunteering on the weekends, please contact Dalia at daliahernandez@secondharvest.org or 209-239-2091 to be added to our mailing list. We occasionally have weekend events that we need volunteers’ help with. 
​* Call to inquire about additional days and times
** Volunteer hours are subject to change according to warehouse needs
***HOURS MAY VARY DURING COVID-19

Register to Volunteer Here

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

GROUP OPPORTUNITIES

Group volunteer opportunities are scheduled on an individual basis and in advance to ensure the best use of time. We require a minimum 2 weeks’ notice in order to plan for these events. Large groups can either volunteer at our warehouse or choose to adopt a Mobile Fresh distribution day – both provide wonderful team building opportunities.

Organizing and running a food drive in your local community is another great way to volunteer your time as a group while helping out those in need.
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 To schedule group volunteer days or to set up a food drive, please contact Dalia at daliahernandez@secondharvest.org or 209-239-2091. 

SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEER

We need volunteers to help us with major events such as the Empty Bowls Benefit, Hit the Streets for Hunger run, Chili Pot Cook Off and Holiday Giving Season. These are scheduled throughout the year. You can sign up in advance by contacting Dalia at daliahernandez@secondharvest.org or 209-239-2091.

Frequently Asked Questions

​What will I be doing?

• Warehouse volunteer activities include sorting produce and canned goods, repackaging food, and helping us maintain a clean and safe facility.  
• Mobile Fresh volunteer activities include working the distribution lines, handing out nutrition education, and carrying bags to cars.
• Special event volunteer activities include set up/tear down, raffle sales, ticket assistance, greeting and directing attendees, and other jobs as needed.

​How often do I need to come?

• Come as often as your schedule allows – we are very flexible and grateful for the help! During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are limiting our daily amount of volunteers to 10, so please sign up online or call/email ahead of time to ensure your space is reserved.

​What should I wear?

• Please dress according to outside weather. Volunteer work is done in our warehouse, so the temperature is variable.
• No open-toed shoes are allowed in the warehouse. Closed-toed shoes must be worn at all times for your own safety.
• We provide gloves to ensure the safe handling of food items, though you may bring your own clean pair if you prefer.
• Due to the use of forklifts and other machinery in the warehouse we do not allow headphones while on the floor.

​Do you need volunteers for special events?

• Yes! We need volunteers to help us carry out the special events that we host throughout the year. Please contact Dalia to sign up at either daliahernandez@secondharvest.org or 209-239-2091.
  

​How do you reward your volunteers?

Each October we host a volunteer appreciation event where we recognize your awesomeness! 

​Do you need volunteer drivers?

• Yes we do! Our need is greatest during the holiday season.
  • We are especially in need of drivers than can help out Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8am through 12pm.
• You must have a Class C license and a clean driving record, since we add you to our insurance and you drive our vehicles.
• If interested, please contact Juan at josuna@secondharvest.org or 209-239-2091.

​Is here an age limit for volunteers?

• Yes, there is. Any minor under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are making an exception to our usual age limit of 16 and up. We understand that parents have limited options for recreational and educational activities with their children now that schools are closed. We are therefore welcoming children ages 11 and up accompanied by their parent(s) or guardian(s). Volunteering with your child is a wonderful way to spend time with them while also helping out the community!
• Exceptions to our age limits can be made for large groups, but these events need to be set up in advance (see our section on Group Opportunities).

Where does volunteering take place?

• If you are volunteering at our warehouse, the address is 704 E Industrial Park Drive, Manteca CA 95337.
• If you are volunteering at a Mobile Fresh event, please contact Dan VanderVeen at dvanderveen@secondharvest.org prior to the event to receive location details.

​How are you ensuring the health and safety of volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic?

As an essential business, Second Harvest Food Bank is to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. In these times of economic and social distress, our services are more crucial than ever. We are taking all the necessary measures to stay safe based on the guidelines set forth by the CDC. Volunteer guidelines during the pandemic include:

• If you are ill, or have been around anyone who is/has been ill, please reschedule for a different day.
  • We will be taking the temperatures of incoming volunteers each day. If your temperature registers as 100.4⁰F or above, we will ask that you please return home.
• If the CDC considers you or someone in your household as high-risk, we do not recommend that you volunteer at this time.
• Handwashing is required upon entering our warehouse. Please wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially in between glove changes and at the start/end of each shift.
• Gloves are required when handling food items. Gloves are provided to all volunteers and should be changed often.
• We do not provide face masks, but please feel free to bring your own.
  • All staff members are required to wear face masks as well.
• For the health and safety of all our volunteers and staff members, maintain the 6-foot social distancing policy.

​Can I complete required community service hours or student projects at Second Harvest?

Yes! We welcome the opportunity to help you fulfill required community service hours for school, church, clubs/organizations, etc. If you need a written confirmation of volunteer hours completed, please let our Volunteer Coordinator know.

If you need to complete court mandated volunteer hours, please contact Juan at josuna@secondharvest.org or 209-239-2091.
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If you are a student interested in completing a project at Second Harvest, we are happy to help as well. However, we require advanced notice and communication of details in order to help you successfully carry out your project. If interested, please contact Dalia at daliahernandez@secondharvest.org or 209-239-2091.

Are there any evening or weekend volunteer opportunities available?

At this time, we do not have regular evening or weekend volunteer opportunities available. However, we occasionally do hold weekend events, such as emergency food drives, that need volunteers’ help. If you’d like to be added to the mailing list to find out about these opportunities, please contact Dalia at daliahernandez@secondharvest.org or 209-239-2091.

Who can I contact with any additional questions, comments, or concerns?

​Our Volunteer Coordinator, Dalia Hernandez, is happy to help! You can email her at daliahernandez@secondharvest.org or call at 209-239-2091.