Volunteer

Get Started

Free Grocery Store is always looking for new volunteers to help with our pantry and garden! If you’re interested in volunteering, want to learn more about how to get involved, or just want to stay in touch, get started by filling out our volunteer form below. We also have a volunteer guide where you can learn more about each role at Free Grocery Store. Check our social media pages to see updates on current volunteer needs.

Ways to get involved at FGS

Pantry Days

We operate two food pantries a month; an in-person pantry on the 2nd Tuesday of every month and a delivery pantry on the 4th Thursday of every month. We need volunteers to help us run smoothly. Learn more about each role in our volunteer guide.

Most role training can be done on-site during our pantries. We are working on creating in-depth guides for each of the roles at FGS on our volunteer guide so that anyone can learn them and become comfortable taking lead.

Training for roles that require more knowledge can be arranged with an existing organizer/experienced volunteer. We encourage you to learn about all the roles you have interest in, even if you do not do them regularly!

Sorting — 2-3 pm

On both our walk-up and delivery pantries, we accept our food delivery from the food bank and local farms, sort through everything we get, and set up the space. Sorters help make sure everything is ready for the pantry to start. We typically need 4-6 sorters.

Packing — 3-4:30 pm

On our delivery pantry days, we start packing orders for our recipients at 3 pm. Packers fill food orders based on each household’s dietary restrictions, preferences, and household size. Once we’re done packing, we clean everything up and reset the space. We typically need 3-4 packers.

Driving — Pickup times 4:15-5:30 pm

Starting at 3:30 pm, volunteer drivers pick up the completed orders for a route and deliver them to our recipients’ homes. Drivers usually take about 1-1.5 hours to complete their routes, though experienced drivers may finish more quickly. We typically need 4-6 drivers.

Leading Roles — Shift times vary

Facilitators oversee and coordinate food sorting and packing operations. These are generally experienced volunteers who help train others, answer questions, and make sure everything goes smoothly. If you’re interested in being a facilitator, let us know!

Garden Days

We are currently in the process of revamping our community garden plots at the McRorie Community Garden. Reach out to us if you are interested in helping us get this wonderful aspect of Free Grocery Store back in action!

Group Volunteering

Interested in having your group or organization volunteer with us? Reach out to our email to arrange a date!