Volunteer
Last year, Connecticut Food Bank’s volunteers logged more than 12,800 hours in our warehouses and administrative offices, and at special events and food drives. These hours donated by volunteers provided about $346,612 of services to the food bank’s operation – equating to about $1.7 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
Volunteers are needed at the 2012 Walk Against Hunger
7th Annual Greater Waterbury Walk Against Hunger
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Library Park, Waterbury
East Haven Warehouse Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are needed at our East Haven warehouse Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9 a.m. – Noon, and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 1 to 3:30 p.m. to sort various food and product donations.
Effective in June, the East Haven warehouse will be open for an additional shift for volunteers, 4 to -8 p.m. All volunteering is by appointment so please reply via email to sign up for any shift, or call Volunteer Coordinator, Kim Damien, 203-469-5000 to discuss. Minimum age, with a parent beside them, is 12 years. Those ages 16 and over may volunteer on their own.
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.