Make A Difference In Our Community

Volunteer at the Food Pantry

It Takes More Than 1,000 Volunteers

Without volunteers, families aren’t fed. As a 100% volunteer organization, we depend on the individuals, families, companies, and community groups who generously give their time to keep the food pantry operating at full speed.

You Can Make A Difference, Too

Become a Volunteer

Ready to become a volunteer? We'll provide all the training and help you need to be able to make a big difference in our communities.

STEP ONE
Complete an Application

Fill out an application online and within a few days, you'll hear back from our volunteer coordinator to schedule an orientation.

STEP TWO
Attend an Orientation

Our volunteer coordinator will schedule an orientation for you to equip you with the skills you need to fill a position that best suits you.

STEP THREE
Sign up for Shifts

Once your application has been submitted and you have attended an orientation, you'll be invited to sign up for shifts to serve at the food pantry.

What Do Our Volunteers Do?

Food Distribution Team

Ten to eleven shift volunteers work under the guidance of a Shift Supervisor on Mondays through Thursdays from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Saturdays from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm. These volunteers prepare the food bins that are distributed to our clients during their shift.

Maintenance Crew

Volunteers come to the food pantry during the week to receive, organize, inspect, and stock shelves with donated food items. The schedule is more varied than the food distribution positions, but typically Monday through Friday between 9:30 am and 11:30 am.

NOTE: At this time, we are not in need of additional volunteers on our maintenance team.

Food Acquisition Team

Volunteers pick up food donations at various grocery stores during the week and drop these items off at the food pantry. Volunteers may also assist with our Donation Location program.

Support Positions

If you have a special skill such as carpentry, computer programming, graphic design, fundraising, grant writing or photography, let us know! We could use your help on special projects or our Marketing, Event Planning, and Fundraising Committees.

Volunteer As a Group

Does your business, religious organization or community service group want to help? We offer seasonal opportunities for groups to volunteer at the food pantry. Groups should Contact Our Volunteer Coordinator to coordinate activity, date and time.

Admin Team

Volunteers come to the pantry 1-2 times per week, every week, for 2-3 hours a day. Must have strong phone/people skills, be organized, and very comfortable working on a computer . Spanish speaking is a plus but not required! Specialized training is required/provided. Responsibilities include: answering phones, making client appointments, data entry, etc.

NOTE: At this time, we are not in need of additional volunteers on our admin team.

 

Our Volunteers Love Serving Here

Eric F.

Eric began volunteering at HRFP in early 2022. In just over six months, he learned everything he could about the food distribution shift and has become an integral part of this team.  Eric is a “go-getter,” stepping in wherever he is needed, and often goes above and beyond to assist the other volunteers.  He has…

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Alyssa

I am a junior at George Mason University. Some things I enjoy are hiking, skiing, kayaking, fishing, and reading. After my college education, I hope to eventually open my own practice and work with several different populations. I also have some interest in teaching about the social work profession later in my career. I am…

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Rionna

I am a George Mason student enrolled in the BSW Social Work Program. It took me a while to figure out what exactly I wanted to spend my career doing because my career interests continually changed. Though my hobbies and interests seemed to be constantly changing, the one desire that remained consistent was my desire…

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Quinn

A little about me, I have been married for nearly four years and my wife and I have two daughters. I am originally from the state of Washington and I love theater. Currently, I am considering using my degree to work with clients in mental health, addiction recovery, or school counseling. I am looking forward…

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SignUp-Logo

It takes a lot to keep our all-volunteer based team organized. One thing that has helped us is SignUp.com - a FREE and easy online signups and scheduling tool. Signup.com helps us save time and makes it easy to organize all the people & things that help us work towards our mission of giving H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Eat).

Visit www.SignUp.com to learn more about how they can help you organize volunteers.

Volunteer Resources

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Common Questions