Volunteer

Get Started

  • If you’re interested in volunteering, want to learn more about how to get involved, please check out the volunteer guide.
  • Free Grocery Store (FGS) is fully volunteer-run organization. No previous experience is required!
  • Sign-ups for upcoming opportunities to volunteer are linked below.
  • Please note that minors are welcome to volunteer and must be accompanied by an adult.
  • You are welcome to text us or email us to be added to a volunteer group chat.
New Volunteer Form
Volunteer Guide

Upcoming volunteer opportunities

August 28 – Delivery Pantry
SEPT 8– CMC
SEPT 24 – Cone Park

Volunteer Meetings

Join us on the first Sunday of each month for our open volunteer meetings! Here, we’ll discuss ongoing projects and make decisions as a group. No matter if it’s your first time volunteering or you’re a seasoned FGS volunteer, you are welcome to join the discussion. Bring your questions and ideas. No sign-up required, just show up.

Details: First Sunday of each month at 1pm at Civic Media Center. Check our Instagram @gnvfgs for details or text us (352-388-1568)

Ways to get involved with FGS

Pantry Days

We operate 2-3 food pantries a month; an in-person pantry on the 2nd Tuesday & last Thurs of each month. We need volunteers to help us run smoothly. Learn more about each role in our volunteer guide. We also partner with a local group to offer grocery deliveries to neighbors. These days are scheduled each month, so the day varies.

Most role training can be done on-site during our pantries. 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!

In-Person Pantry Roles

  • Facilitator
  • Food pick-up
  • Sorters
  • Communications
  • Hospitality
  • Checkout/scale
  • Cleanup
  • Clothing closet attendant

Delivery Roles

  • Facilitator
  • Food pick-up
  • Sorters
  • Packers
  • Delivery drivers
  • Quality check
  • Dispatch

Volunteer in Gardens/Farms

Want to get your hands in the dirt? Help us grow food!

Check out these local gardens and farms that have volunteer/gleaning days

Group Volunteering

Interested in having your group or organization volunteer with us? We are a small food pantry and are not able to accommodate groups larger than 6 people. What is most helpful for large groups is coordinating food drives on our behalf. Check out our donation page to get an idea of what sort of food would be best appreciated for you to collect on our behalf: Reach out to our email to arrange a date!