Volunteer
How to Volunteer
Volunteers are essential to our daily operations, helping with everything from sorting and packing food to managing distribution events, providing administrative support, engaging in community outreach, and more. Join a dedicated force of more than 7,000 volunteers and be part of our shared mission to end hunger across Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.
After a quick registration process, you will gain access to our VolunteerHub portal where you can view the upcoming openings. Click on any date in the calendar to see available shifts, then reserve your spot or register your group before spaces fill up. Shifts often go quickly, so don’t wait!
Use the calendars below to search all volunteer opportunities or narrow your view by location. If you are interested in volunteering on a future date not yet listed on our calendar, please reach out to our volunteer department for more details.
Full Calendar of Volunteer Opportunities
When you’re searching for volunteer opportunities near you or simply looking to make a direct impact in your community, our organization makes it easy to get involved. We welcome food bank volunteers of all experience levels and backgrounds to help power our mission every single day.
Ways to Volunteer
We offer a wide range of food bank volunteer opportunities that fit different interests, time commitments, and group sizes. Whether you’re an individual, part of a group, or volunteering as a corporate team, we have a role for you!
- Traditional Volunteer Roles: These flexible, one-time volunteer shifts include sorting and packing food, supporting food distributions, or helping at special events. They’re great for individuals or groups and typically require little to no training, just advance registration.
- Ongoing Involvement: For those looking to volunteer on a regular basis, we offer roles that support deliveries, office operations, warehouse customer service, and more. Some roles require training or specific skills, like driving or administrative support.
- Leadership Positions: Experienced volunteers can take on leadership roles as Volunteer Team Leaders. These individuals support other volunteers, help manage projects, and contribute to the growth of our volunteer program.
If you are interested in a group volunteer opportunity, please complete the Group Volunteer Interest Form below, and our Community Engagement team will be in touch with available options.
Group Volunteer Interest Form
Volunteer Handbook
If you’re looking for a food bank volunteer opportunity near you, you’re in the right place.
Looking for more details about volunteering with us? Our Volunteer Handbook covers everything you need to know, from expectations and safety guidelines to scheduling and support. The handbook also highlights ongoing food bank volunteer opportunities and tips for making the most of your experience.
For more information, contact our
Community Engagement team at volunteer@foodbankonline.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can sign up for food bank volunteer shifts through our online volunteer portal. Browse local food bank volunteer opportunities by date, location, and task type to find openings at our Norfolk warehouse, Eastern Shore branch, or Western Tidewater branch. When you search for volunteers at a food bank near you, you’ll discover roles sorting donations, packing meal boxes, preparing distributions that feed families and so much more.
Group food bank volunteer opportunities for companies, schools, faith communities, and organizations are available year-round. Contact our community engagement team or visit our online portal to reserve a group shift. Whether you want to volunteer at a food bank warehouse sorting, support food drive volunteers, or help with mobile pantry distribution, your group can choose from a variety of meaningful, impactful service experiences.
The best place to volunteer regularly is a local food bank warehouse where shifts are consistent, well-organized, and directly tied to meal distribution. Look for a food distribution center offering recurring weekly or biweekly food bank volunteer opportunities, structured training, and clear roles. Our Norfolk warehouse fits this perfectly—sign up online as a food bank volunteer to commit to ongoing shifts that consistently feed neighbors.
Corporate teams can schedule a volunteer for the Food Bank Day by contacting our community engagement team or booking online. We accommodate large groups for warehouse sorting, food packing, and food drive volunteer support. Corporate food bank volunteer days build team morale while making a measurable community impact. Reserve early, as popular dates fill quickly, especially during the holiday season.
Volunteer requirements and safety guidelines can vary by food bank and role. Most organizations provide a brief orientation, explain safety procedures, and share any role-specific instructions before you begin. Review the signup details in advance to make sure you are prepared for a safe and rewarding volunteer experience.