• 
• 
  •  History
  •  Board of Directors
  •  Executive Team
  •  Financials
  •  Career Opportunities
    •  Current Openings
    •  Benefits
    •  How to Apply
  •  Supporters
  •  FAQ
  •  Contact Us
    •  Request Information
    •  Directions
• 
  •  Hunger Study
  •  Children & Hunger
• 
• 
  •  Kids Cafe
  •  Brown Bag
  •  Second Helping
  •  Perishables
• 
  •  Food Safety
    •  Recalls
    •  Resources
    •  Food Safety Workshops
  •  Nutrition Information
    •  Resources
    •  Workshops
  •  ClicknCook
• 
  •  Becoming a Member Agency
  •  Agency FAQ
  •  Resources
    •  Food Bank Resources
    •  Outside Resources
  •  Useful Forms
  •  MSR Login
  •  Online Ordering
  •  Second Helping Form
• 
  •  Events
    •  Good Food Gala
    •  Kitchen Cabinet
    •  Marathon Team
    •  Partner Appreciation Lunch
    •  Red Sox Wives
    •  WAAF's Rock for Change
    •  Super Hunger Month
    •  Sponsor an Event
  •  Press Room
  •  Newsletter
  •  Recent Coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some questions that often come up when people want to volunteer with us.

Q. What do volunteers do at The Food Bank?

• Most volunteers work in our warehouse, inspecting, sorting, and repacking donated food and grocery products.
  
  
• You will be familiarized with The Food Bank, given information about what we do and who we serve, and trained to inspect food at the beginning of each shift. You will then work together as a team on an assembly line, possibly alongside other groups.

• Some volunteers load boxes onto conveyer belts, some inspect or sort products, and others check and label boxes. While a few of these tasks require the ability to lift a 30-pound box, most tasks require only that a volunteer stand and inspect products for a few hours.

• Administrative support— For projects that arise in every department, volunteers can help with data entry, mailings, filing, and telephone follow-ups. A minimum commitment of three hours per visit is required.

• Special events -- The Food Bank hosts or participates in a number of fundraisers throughout the year including Super Hunger Month and three Kitchen Cabinet events. Volunteers are often needed to sell raffle tickets, collect monetary or food donations, or greet attendees as representatives of The Food Bank.

Q. Can I come as an individual?

A. Absolutely! We are more than happy to have individuals come in during our regular shifts to volunteer with us. All volunteers must complete an application. Click here for our online form. We also request that you contact the Volunteer Department at volunteer@gbfb.org before you attend to make sure we are open on the day in question.

Q. What is the minimum and maximum group size?

A. We can take individuals and groups of up to 70 people. Any group of five or more people must be scheduled ahead of time. Groups of four or less are treated as individual volunteers.

Q. How early do I need to book my group?

A. For the majority of the year we ask for two to three weeks' notice, however in the holiday season we are often completely booked months in advance. We can book up to a year in advance—so feel free to call us early! 617-427-5200 ext. 5096

Q. Can I do my community service at The Greater Boston Food Bank?

A. Yes, we accept both court ordered and school required community service volunteers, however individual approval is required. Click here for complete details.

Q. What should I wear to volunteer?

A. All volunteers MUST wear closed-toed shoes in order to volunteer. You should wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty, as our product can be dusty at times. The warehouse tends to be chilly in the winter and hot in the summer, so layered clothing is suggested.

Q. Is there an age restriction?

A. All volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Also, all volunteers under 18 require an adult chaperone. We are planning more family-friendly opportunities that will include children less than 16 years old. Check our Families page for updates on family-friendly events as they become available.

Q. Can The Food Bank accommodate volunteers with special needs?

A. Due to safety regulations we have to evaluate all situations individually, but we are happy to try and accommodate special needs. To discuss your needs, please contact the Volunteer Department at volunteer@gbfb.org or 617-427-5200 ext. 5096.

Q. Is there a minimum time requirement to volunteer?

A. Individuals and groups, due to the training, must commit to at least a three hour block of time. There is no long term commitment needed.

Q. Can I come in on a regular basis?

A. Individuals and Groups are welcome to come in on a regular basis—however this would need to be scheduled with the Volunteer Department in advance.

Q. Does The Greater Boston Food Bank have a parking lot?

A. Yes, we do have a small parking lot for visitors and volunteers just past our loading docks on the right. We are unable to accommodate buses in our lot, however they are able to park down the street at the South Bay Shopping Center.

Q. Are there other locations, aside from Boston, where I can volunteer?

A. The Greater Boston Food Bank only offers volunteering at our Boston warehouse at 99 Atkinson Street. If you need help finding a place near your home to volunteer please contact us at volunteer@gbfb.org for more information, and we will try to offer suggestions.

Q. How do I become a Greater Boston Food Bank volunteer?

Details on how to become a volunteer, along with the appropriate volunteer application, can be found on the follow pages:

• For corporate/community/college groups, click here
• For elementary or high school groups, click here
• For families, click here
• For community service, click here
• For individuals, click here