Volunteer
In 2010, Connecticut Food Bank’s volunteers logged more than 13,700 hours in our warehouses and administrative offices, and at special events and food drives. These hours donated by volunteers provided about $375,000 of services to the food bank’s operation – equating to about $1.8 million worth of food at wholesale value, which Connecticut Food Bank distributed to neighbors in need.
There are many ways and opportunities to give time to help us in our mission to alleviate hunger Connecticut.
For more information:
To volunteer in any capacity, contact Kim Damien, Connecticut Food Bank Volunteer Coordinator, at 203-469-5000, ext. 311 or email. If you are interested in volunteering directly at a local food assistance program, contact Infoline by dialing 211 or visiting Infoline.org.
Immediate volunteer needs:
Procurement Department Administrative Assistant:
A volunteer is needed with all-around office skills to assist with filing documents, doing mailings, phone work, copying, postage and data entry. This is an ongoing weekly need at our East Haven location for a 2-3 hour time block and can be arranged for any week day except Tuesdays.
Internet Research Supporter:
The Operations Department needs a volunteer to search for label ingredient information on the Internet and transfer the data to an Excel spread sheet. The volunteer needs to have a solid grasp of the Internet and basic Excel and typing skills, and must be available Monday and Friday mornings in February from 9 a.m. to noon. If the project is not finished but the end of February it may carry over into March.
Programs Department Clerk:
A volunteer is needed to help with filing agency statistic sheets, as well as assisting with other light administrative duties one morning per week, during the first and second weeks of each month during the school year. The day and time is flexible but a 2 hour commitment per visit is requested. This position will require the ability to stand for about 1.5 hours to complete filing needs.
Long-Term Volunteer Needs
Are you looking for a way to give back to your community on an ongoing basis? Connecticut Food Bank is looking for volunteers to help a very important nutritional program that help improve the lives of people who struggle to put food on the table. Learn more by reading our blog post.
Ongoing Volunteer Needs
For adults, ages 16 and older
Sorting Donated Food
Volunteers inspect, sort and pack non-perishable food for distribution to direct feeding agencies. Other activities include labeling cans and boxes of food. Sorting requires at least two hours each visit. At all locations.
“Meat the Need”
Volunteers sort and box frozen packages of meat before they are distributed to member programs.
Office Assistance
Volunteers write thank-you notes, file, copy, stuff envelopes, etc. to assist various departments at the East Haven main office.
Gleaning
Volunteers are needed periodically to help glean (pick and sort) fresh produce at local farms for distribution through the Food Bank.
Plant a Row for the Hungry
While planting your yearly garden, include an extra row to donate to Connecticut Food Bank or a food program in your area. Read about our Plant a Row for the Hungry campaign by clicking here.
Special Events
Thanksgiving is our busiest time of year and offers many volunteer opportunities. There are food drives such as WPLR’s Fill the Bowl, Star 99.9′s Food for Friends, and WATR’s Big Heart at Big Y and there is an increased need for food sorting at all of our locations during the holidays.
Connecticut Food Bank’s biggest fundraiser is the Walk Against Hunger, held every spring in New Haven, Bridgeport and Waterbury. This community event raises public awareness about hunger, encourages personal involvement in addressing hunger, and raises funds to help Connecticut Food Bank distribute food to approximately 600 food programs. Be a walker to raise money or volunteer as a registrar, crossing guard or for another role.
Food drives are held throughout the year to benefit Connecticut Food Bank, such as the National Association of Letter Carriers in May.
If your group or organization is interested in hosting a food drive, we can help you set it up! Click here for details.
For young people age 11 to 15 years
Young people play a vital role as volunteers, helping with everything from sorting donated food and assisting with office mailings, to helping at food drives and special events. Children ages 11 – 14 MUST be accompanied by a parent at all times when they volunteer at Connecticut Food Bank. If you have questions about volunteering, contact Kim Damien, Connecticut Food Bank Volunteer Coordinator, at (203) 469-5000, ext. 311, or email.