Food Bank Volunteer

Sign Up To Volunteer in Our Food Bank

Please read the instructions and choose the appropriate sign-up page below. Registration is quick and easy.

For the safety of our staff and volunteers and to ensure you have a meaningful volunteer experience we limit the number of people on each shift. Closed-toe shoes are required and comfortable clothing is recommended. Face masks are not required but can be worn if you feel more comfortable. Please wash your hands upon entering the warehouse. Gloves are required when handling food items, we provide them for each volunteer and ask that they are changed out often. If you are ill or have been around someone who is ill we ask that you please reschedule your service for a different day.

Volunteer Shift Types

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

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

Warehouse Volunteers

Advanced registration is required
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays: 9:00am-11:00am
If you are interested in volunteering please contact Heather Elkins at helkins@secondharvest.org or 209-490-5177.

Occasionally we do offer weekend or evening opportunities, please sign up for our volunteer mailing list to be notified.
​* Call to inquire about additional days and times
** Volunteer hours are subject to change according to warehouse needs

GROUP OPPORTUNITIES
Group volunteer opportunities are scheduled in advance to match your team’s needs. We do ask for at least a two-week advanced notice to ensure a meaningful experience for everyone involved. Volunteer groups can choose to work in our warehouse or they can adopt a Mobile Fresh Day. Both opportunities provide a wonderful team-building experience.

Organizing and running a funds drive (formally a food drive) in your local community is another great way to volunteer your time as a group while helping out those in need.

To schedule group volunteer days or set up a funds drive please contact Heather Elkins at helkins@secondharvest.org or 209-490-5177.

give help through volunteering

The button above is for INDIVIDUAL Volunteer Sign-Ups. For Large Groups and Corporate Volunteers. Use the form below or call Heather directly. Heather will reply to your inquiry as quickly as possible. 

give help through volunteering

Corporate and Group Volunteers Signup

We love corporate and group volunteers. Looking to see how you can help? Please submit your contact information and Heather will reach back out and go over all the details of corporate and group volunteer signups.

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Frequently Asked Questions from Volunteers

What will I be doing?

Warehouse volunteer activities include sorting produce, sorting donated items, and building boxes for home delivery. 

How often can I volunteer?

Come as often as your schedule allows- However, space is limited so please use the sign-up link when choosing your shifts.

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 (Crocs are not considered a qualifying shoe). 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?

We hold three main events per year. Please contact Heather Elkins at helkins@secondharvest.org or 209-490-5177

How do you reward volunteers?

– We host a volunteer appreciation event in late fall 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 there an age limit for volunteers?

– Yes, there is. Any minor under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. We are making an exception to our usual age limit of 16 and older, but they need to have a waiver signed by a guardian. Ages under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. We understand that parents have limited options for recreational and educational activities with their children. 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. 

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 Marcus Strickland at mstrickland@secondharvest.org or 209-490-5172.

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 Heather at helkins@secondharvest.org or 209-490-5177.

Are there any evening or weekend volunteer opportunities available?

– We have a monthly on-site food distribution on the final Saturday of every month. To register, please sign up through our registration pages using the provided buttons above or contact our Volunteer Coordinator. We occasionally have other after-hours volunteer opportunities such as emergency food drives that require extra help. If you’d like to be added to the mailing list to find out about these opportunities, please contact Heather at helkins@secondharvest.org or 209-490-5177.

Who can I contact with any additional questions, comments, or concerns?
– Our Community Engagement Manager, Heather Elkins, is happy to help! You can email her at helkins@secondharvest.org or call at 209-490-5177.