Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
CAN CHILDREN VOLUNTEER?For our warehouse food sorts and food distributions, children ages 13+ may volunteer with a parent present. Due to safety regulations, we cannot accommodate volunteers under the age of 13.
THE VOLUNTEER SHIFT I WANT TO ATTEND SAYS FULL or 0 SPOTS OPEN, CAN I STILL COME?No, everyone must register ahead of time we do not accept walk-ins. If the event is full, please select another date, or add to the waitlist.
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR A VOLUNTEER SHIFT AS AN INDIVIDUAL?If you are a first-time volunteer, you will be asked to create a login and password when you sign up for your first shift on our volunteer registration system. Please be sure to store your login information for future use. Once registered and logged in, select your shift, and a confirmation email will be sent back to you. For returning volunteers, simply log in, select a shift, and you will receive a confirmation email.
We have created a helpful video to walk you through the process, which you can watch here: here: Volunteer Sign Up Process
HOW DO I REGISTER MY GROUP TO VOLUNTEER?If you would like to bring a group, please contact the Volunteer Program Manager at or at 831-232-8141. You can also fill out the request form with this link Group Volunteer Request Form Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz .
MY PRINTER IS NOT WORKING, CAN I SIGN FORMS WHEN I ARRIVE?Yes, if youre having trouble printing the consent forms or waivers, you can fill them out on-site, provided you are 18 and over.
Volunteering After The Covid
As of Monday, May 2, 2022, masks are no longer required.Below are guidelines we are following to combat the spread of the Coronavirus in our facility.
- Volunteer shifts are limited to no more than 75 volunteers at a time. Volunteers are then split into groups of 15-20 throughout the warehouse.
- Volunteer orientations are no longer being held in the break room. This will help avoid large gatherings.
- There are hand sanitizing stations throughout the facility.
- We are asking anyone that is sick to please refrain from volunteering.
If you are unable to find a volunteer shift, please check back. Volunteer shifts are changing daily. You can also help these 3 ways: start a virtual food drive, make an online donation, and help spread the word on social media by following @feedhopenow.
Volunteer Opportunities At Second Harvest
Group
- We welcome group opportunities in our distribution center. Shifts are Monday-Saturday from 8:30-11:30 am and 12:30-3:30 pm and can accommodate up to 21 volunteers. You may sign up directly at SignUp Genius or contact our Volunteer Service Coordinator, at .
- Interested in a date not yet scheduled? No worries, we would be delighted to help you schedule your group in advance.
- Did you enjoy your shift at Second Harvest with a group? If so, consider becoming a regular volunteer by completing the individual volunteer application linked here.
- We plan our days and projects around the number of volunteers we expect to arrive at our shifts, so please let know if the number of volunteers is subject to change ahead of time.
Individual
- Volunteering allows us to learn more about our community while also creating meaningful connections and relationships. At Second Harvest we welcome individual volunteers to grow and foster relationships with us and the community. Please reach out to our Volunteer Services Coordinator at to get started!
- We plan our days and projects around the number of volunteers we expect to arrive at our shifts, so please let know if the number of volunteers is subject to change ahead of time.
Internships
- We collaborate with various academic institutions and programs through internships and service-learning courses. If you are interested in completing an internship at Second Harvest, please complete this inquiry form.
Mobile Pantries
Also Check: Greater Chicago Food Depository Donations
You Can Help End Hunger
We simply couldnt do what we do without our volunteers. Each year, more than 8,000 volunteers step through our front doors and become a part of the solution to hunger in our community. They bring their passion, energy and skills to the table so they can put food onto the tables of their neighbors in need. No matter your age or ability, you can play a role in solving hunger. Sign up to volunteer now at the hunger solution center nearest you.
Second Harvest Food Bank
- Service Address4001 North 1st Street. San Jose CA 95134
Second Harvest Food Bank greatly relies upon the energy and commitment of the local community to fight hunger. Your contributions in any way will have a significant impact in providing food to the hungry in the counties Second Harvest Food Bank serves.
Website:
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Restaurants & Food Service Rescue Program
We can deliver your unsold prepared and perishable food or event leftovers directly to our smaller community partners. We provide donation records for your tax purposes.
Our current restaurant partners include Disneyland and Orange County School Districts.
For more information, please contact us at .
Donate Stocks Securities & Mutual Funds
Donations of stock can be made by utilizing our free online resource or by contacting your broker and requesting that the desired number of shares be transferred electronically to Second Harvests account.
Our online stock giving resource makes it simple to get started. You can learn more about your potential tax savings, access our Depository Trust Company information and complete the necessary paperwork online to support Second Harvest and our hunger relief efforts with a gift of stock. Learn more and access our transfer information here.
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Become A Volunteer Captain
- Be an established volunteer with SHFB and have at least 100 volunteer hours
- Have helped out in all areas: sorting, production, etc.
- Attend a Food For Thought tour. Sign up at www.FeedHopeNow.org.
- Be available at least once a week and be at least 18 years old
- Be flexible and help out in the areas that are most needed
- Be able to provide directions to our volunteers
- Be able to utilize a manual pallet jack
- Have a desire to help make projects run smoothly and effectively all while the volunteers are enjoying themselves
Please note:
Group Volunteer Age Restrictions
All participants must be at least 10 years of age.
Children must be chaperoned as follows:
1 adult chaperone for every 5 children ages 10-12
1 adult chaperone for every 10 children ages 13-17
2 adult chaperones are required for groups of 11-25 children ages 13-17
The food bank can accommodate groups up to 25 volunteers at a time. Please keep this in mind when calculating the total number of volunteers for your group.
Please bring a copy of your ACT 153 clearances when you attend with your group of children.
Group Volunteer Shift Requirements
We ask that all volunteers begin the volunteer shift at the same time. We understand that everyone may not be able to attend an entire 3 hour volunteer shift. We ask that group members commit to a minimum of 1.5 hours.
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We Couldnt Accomplish All That We Have Without Volunteers
Second Harvest is grateful for every volunteer who lends their support and shares our vision of No Waste. No Hunger. We recognize volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their commitment and service to Second Harvest.
Outstanding Achievement Awards
Outstanding Achievement Awards recognize the dedication of an individual or group who go above and beyond in their volunteer role, demonstrate commitment, and support the work of Second Harvest.
Past recipients: Gaurav Bansal, Josh Jensen, Reanna Maharaj, Kathryn Ellis, Karen Hardy, Ken Nakamura, Pamela Neblett, Yan Moore, Deborah Mitchell, Victoria Genge-Narain, Gabrielle Cotton, Judy Nusinowitz, David Kopel, Susan Wetmore, Amanda Chung, Chiara Switzer, June MacDonald, Wendy Job, Ravi Nagraj, Antonette Wright, Maria Park, Pina Di Leo, William Leung, Elliot Steele, Alexander Radovac.
Corporate Volunteerism Award
This annual award recognizes a corporation or business partner that has provided exceptional and ongoing volunteer service to Second Harvest. They have embraced our mission and become a pillar of support to our organization.
Past recipients: Weston Foods, TD Bank
Mike Kic Spirit Award
Past recipients: Tamara Ramsey, Hyame Fadel-Jardine, Emily MacLellan, Andrew Patton, Mike Kic
The Ian Lawson Van Toch Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award
Past recipients: Voice Integrative School, Carter Ward, The Giles School, Sami Mendes, Arrabon House, Oliver Segal, Jake Grevier, Sarah Siddiqi