Volunteers are essential to keeping our costs low and efficiency high. Second Harvest has several areas of volunteer need: Operations, salvage-sorting, administration and special events. Our volunteer program is flexible. Individuals and groups are welcome. Please contact John for more information.

Operations: Volunteers are needed in our warehouse from 9-12 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning. This is a peak time for agencies to pick-up product at the warehouse. Volunteers help agency representatives understand product restrictions, fill their carts and load their vehicles. Volunteers should be able to commit to at least 2 hours of service, stand comfortably for extended periods of time, and lift 10 pounds easily.

Salvage-Sorting: Groups of between 5 and 15 people are needed to help sort donated canned goods in our salvage area. This work is vital; with more than 300,000 pounds of product sorted annually. Product is inspected, sorted and prepared for distribution. Groups also pack food boxes for hungry families to take home. Church, youth, civic, corporate and groups of all types are welcome. Salvage sorting can accommodate larger groups (up to 30) interested in participating in Hunger 101.

• Work week sorting: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9am-noon and 1pm-4. We need groups to help fill each time slot. Slots are filled on a first-come first-served basis.
• After-school sorting: Tuesday after school, youth are encouraged to participate in salvage sorting from 4pm-6pm. Small or large groups are welcome. Please call to sign up for a particular Tuesday. This is a great way for students to earn community service hours and build a resume with volunteer experience.
• Weekend sorting: Groups are welcome to sign up for Saturday morning time slots from 9am-12. Weekend salvage teams are generally booked 2 months in advance.
• Team Leader: Volunteers that enjoy leading teams are needed in the salvage area to lead different volunteer groups in the salvage process. Team leaders must be able to lead a full 3 hour shift on the same day every week. Leaders should be willing to be trained on the salvage process, and have a knack for working with people. All leaders are subject to a background check.

Special Events: Throughout the year Second Harvest coordinates special fund raising events. These events include formal dinners, biker rallies, golf tournaments, art exhibits and many others. Volunteers are vital to the success of each of these events. For more information about events click here.

Administration: Several volunteers are needed in the development office to help with administrative tasks. Volunteers in development mail tax receipt letters, prepare reports, work with our database and help staff with special projects.

Email list: once a month Second Harvest send out an email blast about upcoming volunteer opportunities with the food bank. To be added to this list, and start receiving emails, please email John.

Volunteerism at Second Harvest: All volunteers may be subject to a back-ground check. Volunteers are expected to abide by all safety rules and the code of conduct.

Community Service Volunteers: Non-violent court appointed volunteers may be accepted at Second Harvest. Those interested in fulfilling community service requirements should contact John for more details. All community service volunteers must be pre-approved before beginning volunteer service. All volunteers may be subject to a background check and must abide by the safety rules and code of conduct. Any volunteer acting inappropriately will be dismissed immediately.