Thanks to the support of dedicated volunteers, we provide hunger relief to thousands of Idahoans in need.
One great way to get your corporate or community group involved in our mission is to donate your time to help provide food and resources to the 150,000 people in Idaho who face hunger.
Volunteering is a great way to lower stress, stay informed and involved, form a deeper connection to your community, and feed better overall! With volunteers as young as the age of 8 welcome to join in, it’s a great activity for the family to do together!
Health
Volunteers say that they feel better—physically, mentally and emotionally.
Purpose
Volunteers feel a deeper connection to communities and to others.
Less Stress
Volunteering helps people manage and lower stress levels.
Engaged
Volunteers are more informed health care consumers and are more engaged and involved in taking care of their health.
The Idaho Foodbank has reviewed the recommendations and data from the CDC regarding the current levels of COVID transmission in the counties where we have facilities. Following the recommendations from the CDC, The Idaho Foodbank’s locations will no longer require mask-wearing at this time. We do have masks available at our facilities for anyone who chooses to wear one.
The majority of volunteers assist in Sort/Repack shifts. These shifts include activities such as sorting donations by nutritional category, repackaging bulk food into family-sized quantities, placing stickers on unlabeled cans and even building backpack inserts. Shifts are booked in advance, but the actual activity is based on highest community needs and current warehouse inventory.
Volunteers as young as the age of 8 are welcome. Volunteers 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult volunteer.
Following CDC recommendations, we are now strongly encouraging all volunteers to bring and use a cloth masks during their shift as an added layer of caution. We greatly appreciate the donation of masks at any of our facilities or to your local food pantry. Closed toe and heel shoes are required in the warehouse. Shoes should be sturdy and offer adequate protection (no canvas shoes, such as ballet flats). Sandals and offensive clothing are not permitted. Clothing should not restrict movement. The warehouse is not temperature-controlled, so layers are recommended!
With adequate notice, we are able to handle most group requests. Please fill out our community and corporate group volunteer request form and we will work with you to create a rewarding experience for your group.
We do accept court-mandated volunteers, with some limitations. Before starting your community service you will need to meet with a staff member. Please contact us at volunteerservices@idahofoodbank.org.
Waivers are sent through our VolunteerHub registration system. However, if you need to get a waiver or additional waivers for a group or for minors that are volunteering, they are available here to download and print.
Last year we had 20,780 volunteers, 58,302 volunteer hours, or the equivalent of 28 full-time employees!
March 21st is National Ag Day, marking the 50th anniversary of the annual observance organized by the Agriculture Council of America. National Ag Day is a day when producers, agricultural…
March is National Nutrition Month®, which was created 50 years ago by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This is a time to learn about making informed food choices and…
Everyone should have access to safe, wholesome food. In February, The Idaho Foodbank completed our regular AIB (American Institute of Baking) International food safety inspections at all three locations. Recognition…
