Harvest Hope Food Bank

Volunteer Opportunities

Here at Harvest Hope Food Bank, we rely on volunteers to operate! Thanks to the help of approximately 8,000 volunteers—who provided more than 54,000 hours of volunteer time last year—Harvest Hope Food Bank is able to feed hungry people in our community.

FAQ’s 

What do volunteers do at Harvest Hope?

• Some volunteers help with intake.  This involves interviewing clients to keep record of their household information.  They then enter the information into the database on the computer.  Volunteers wishing to help with intake must be have an extra dose of compassion since they work one-on-one with the clients.  They also must be comfortable working with computers.  
• Other volunteers help sort food and pack it in bags so it is ready to distribute to families.  Most of the food that comes into the food bank is in bulk and needs to be broken down to hand out to families.  Both intake and packing room volunteers are needed at both emergency food pantries.  
• Volunteers also help in the product rescue area.  They help sort, pack and check over food donated through food drives.  
• Finally, volunteers represent Harvest Hope in the community at our various special events.  

 

When can I volunteer?

In the Emergency Food Pantries, there are two shifts available Monday – Friday from either 9am-12pm or 12pm-3:00pm; and 2 Saturdays per month from 9am-1pm. The hours for product rescue are 8am-12pm or 1pm-3:30pm. Hours for special events vary and include some nights and weekends.

How many people can I bring?

You may come by yourself, bring a friend or schedule a group.     

Do I have to schedule in advance or can I just show up to volunteer?

All volunteering must be scheduled in advance.

What should I wear?

Volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes to work in the warehouse. Jeans or shorts and sneakers are best. No volunteers may work in short shorts or skirts, tank tops, or open-toed shoes. 

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

Volunteers must be 10 years old to volunteer in the Emergency Food Pantries during the week and on 1 of the Saturdays. Ages 10-15 must have one adult supervisor per five youth. For “Senior Box Saturdays” all volunteers must be at least 16 years old. At Product Rescue, volunteers must be 16 as well. Volunteers must be 18 in order to help with intake. 

Do I need to bring anything to my volunteer session?

First, please bring your positive attitude, flexibility and compassion! Also, be ready to work as a team! Please bring water and anything you plan to eat while you are working.  We do have vending machines available, but volunteers and staff are not allowed to eat any of the food distributed through the emergency food pantries.  If you would like to be served at the Emergency Food Pantry, you may do so at the end of your volunteer shift.    

Is there a place to lock up my personal belongings?

There is limited storage space in the emergency food pantries and product rescue—and there is not any locked storage.  Please plan to lock your personal belongings in the trunk of your car or leave them at home.  Volunteers may not listen to MP3 players or talk on cell phones while volunteering.     

Do I have to attend a training session prior to volunteering?

You will get a brief orientation and tour during your first volunteer session.   

Will I be required to lift heavy objects?

We do not require volunteers to do any heavy lifting.  Most volunteers will, however, need to be on their feet for the entire shift, unless they are intake volunteers.    

How do I get there?

Please see our website for the locations of both Emergency Food Pantries and Product Rescue.   

How do I get started?

Fill out the volunteer application and/or contact Erin Schroeder, Director of Volunteers, to set up your first volunteer time!
 

 

For individual and group volunteer opportunities in Columbia or at our Lexington EFP, please contact Erin Schroeder at 803-254-4432 ext. 1115. If you are interested in volunteering at our Florence location, please contact Michael Murphy at 843-661-0826 or at our Greenville Location, please contact Vickie Brannen at 864-281-3995.

 

For the most current information on volunteer opportunites please click the link below.

For Harvest Hope Food Bank: