Whatever your age or ability, there is a place for you to volunteer at the Food Bank.
Repacking on our Warehouse Dock
Family Friendly & Great For All Ages
Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Donations come to us in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes food needs to be sorted and repacked before it can be given out. Volunteers help us repack bulk-packaged items into useable, family-size packages; sort useable items from damaged products; and re-label mislabeled or unlabeled cans and bottles.
We also receive a large amount of non-food items that need to be sorted – things like soap and shampoo, household supplies, linens, dishes, etc. Whatever you sort when you volunteer at the Food Bank, your efforts help low-income families stretch their limited budgets and eat better.
As a group: Organize friends, family members, sports team, religious groups, or officemates for a fun, team-building shift or two. Two-hour time slots are available weeknights from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Weekend shifts of varying length are available from morning to night. Contact us to set up a shift for you!
As an individual: Don’t have a big group to organize? No problem. Check out our monthly schedule to see when we have time available for small groups (2-6 people) and individuals to volunteer.
Contact: Laura Martin and Jackie Murray at (518)786-3691 ext. 234 or volunteers@regionalfoodbank.net
Sorting in our Salvage Sorting Room
Must Be 18 or Older
As a group: Ideal for the gung-ho volunteer group looking to make a large impact. This job requires a commitment of 10-25 adults and a three hour shift. Compare how your team stands up against groups from GE, NYS Farm Bureau and Grainger Industrial Supply.
As an individual: This is one of our biggest on going needs. On a regular basis, Tuesday- Friday 9 am – 12 pm, join our volunteers during the daytime. For this work we do ask for an ongoing commitment due to the training required. Volunteers usually commit to the same day every week, however biweekly or monthly commitments are also welcome.
We are currently looking to add shifts to the Salvage Sorting Room. This may include Monday mornings or any afternoon from 12:30-3:00. If you would like to make a weekly commitment to one of these proposed shifts please let us know. When we have enough people for a new shift (10), it will be come official and we will contact you with a start date.
Contact: Laura Martin and Jackie Murray at (518) 786-3691 ext. 234 or volunteers@regionalfoodbank.net
Working on the Patroon Land Farm
April through October
Our fifteen-acre vegetable farm, located at 132 Ketcham Road in Voorheesville NY, needs volunteers all through the spring, summer and fall. Volunteers work in multiple facets including planting, weeding, picking and packing.
As a group: Groups of all ages and sizes can be scheduled in advance any day Monday through Saturday.
As an individual: Individual volunteers are greatly needed on weekdays. Times are available Monday-Saturday from 9:30 am -5:30 pm. Choose the length of time that suits your schedule.
Contact: Laura Martin and Jackie Murray at (518)786-3691 ext. 234 or volunteers@regionalfoodbank.net
Helping Out in the Office
Volunteers assist Food Bank employees with everyday tasks as well as special projects. Volunteers file reports, assist with data entry, prepare mailings and more. These opportunities are available on an as-needed basis. Individuals can be added to our contact list in order to be notified when help is needed.
Contact: Laura Martin and Jackie Murray at (518)786-3691 ext. 234 or volunteers@regionalfoodbank.net
Volunteering for the Holiday Hunger Appeal
November & December Only
The Food Bank’s largest and most public fundraising appeal takes place each year during the holiday season at Crossgates Mall. Hundreds of volunteers spend a few hours asking shoppers to donate to the Food Bank. Businesses, civic organizations, schools, and families are encouraged to sign up for a full day or just one shift.
Contact: Jessica Tanner at (518) 786-3691, x295 or jessicat@regionalfoodbank.net
