20,388
Number of Volunteers
61,379
Volunteer Hours
0
Number of Full-Time Employees Volunteers Represent
163,679
People Served

In 2015, more than 20,000 volunteers dedicated approximately 62,000 hours to helping The Idaho Foodbank provide emergency food assistance. Volunteers sort, repack, and load food donations; teach cooking classes, build backpacks; and distribute food at mobile pantries.

Volunteers Make it Happen

Because of volunteers, the Foodbank is able to function with far fewer full-time employees, thereby directing more money to programs and services that feed hungry people. Simply put, The Idaho Foodbank would not be able to function as efficiently without the dedicated support of our volunteers.

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Become a Harvest Helper

Dry and canned foods are easy for the foodbank to handle since they have a long shelf life, but they need help getting the large amount of fresh produce they have recently received from harvest season quickly packaged and out to people in need before it goes bad.

Learn More

Sign Up to Volunteer

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of work will we be doing?

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 the needs of the warehouse on any given day.

Can children volunteer?

Volunteers as young as the age of 8 are welcome. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult volunteer. A complete list of safety requirements can be found on our Volunteer Policies and Liability Release.

All volunteers under the age of 18 must bring a copy of the Volunteer Policies and Liability Release form completed by a parent or legal guardian unless their parent/ legal guardian volunteers with them.

What should I wear?

Closed toe shoes are required in the warehouse. Shoes should be sturdy and offer adequate protection (no canvas shoes, such as ballet flats). Sandals, tank tops, shorts (above knee-length) and offensive clothing are not permitted. Clothing should not restrict movement. The warehouse is not temperature-controlled, so layers are recommended!

I have a large group (more than 15 people) and we would like to volunteer together.

With adequate notice, we are able to handle most group requests. Send an email with your request to the warehouse in your area, and we will work with you to create a rewarding experience for your group.

I need to complete court-mandated community service hours.

We do accept court-mandated volunteers, with some limitations. Please contact us for more information.