Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers help make the Greater Chicago Food Depository one of the most efficient charities around. Thanks to the help of approximately 14,000 volunteers—who provided more than 90,000 hours of volunteer time last year—the Food Depository is able to feed the hungry in our community more efficiently.

NEW—The Food Depository has an immediate need for volunteers to assist with family food boxes. Find an open session here.
We provide food for nearly 678,000 hungry people each year with the support of our volunteers!

Support the distribution and pick up of food at the Food Depository! Every weekday morning, volunteer teams of two head out into the community in Food Depository vehicles to either deliver fresh produce or pick up food drive food at local organizations. Volunteers should be at least 16 years old with a valid drivers license, and able to lift at least 25 pounds. If you're interested, please e-mail Volunteer Services.

FAQs

What do you mean by 'repack'?
Repack sessions are the most common volunteer opportunity at the Food Depository. These are held in three hour time slots. The majority of the food that the Food Depository receives needs something to be done with it: repacking bulk product to individual/family size, assembling boxes with assorted food, checking expiration dates, labeling product, gleaning products, etc. While projects are determined based on warehouse needs, all repack sessions are spent in the warehouse.

When do you have volunteer repack sessions?
Opportunities are available Tuesday through Saturday. Morning, afternoon and evening sessions are held throughout the week on certain days. Availability varies based on number of people in your group. Please contact Volunteer Services for more detailed times.

How many people can I bring?
The Volunteer Services department schedules volunteers based on the needs in the warehouse as well as number of people needed to complete the projects needed. The number of people in your group will affect the days and times available for you to volunteer. Typically, the Food Depository can accommodate groups up to 60 people. Please know that number of people in the group will be important to know when scheduling a date to volunteer.

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

How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Volunteers need to be 13 years old to volunteer at the Food Depository during regular sessions. Ages 16 and older can volunteer self supervised. Ages 13-15 need to have one adult supervisor per four youths.

The Food Depository hosts Kids Days once a month on a Saturday afternoon. Kids ages 5-12 may volunteer with an adult during Kids Days only. Please call for details and availability.

Do I have to schedule in advance or can I just show up to volunteer?
All volunteering must be scheduled in advance.

Do we need to bring anything to our volunteer session?
In addition to a positive attitude(!), we ask that each volunteer bring at least one nonperishable food item. Priority items include: cereal (cold and hot), canned vegetables, soup, stew, tuna, canned fruit, rice, beans, pasta, pasta sauce, shelf-stable milk, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese.

Is there a place to lock up my personal belongings?
While the Food Depository encourages volunteers not to bring any personal belongings with them, there are a limited number of lockers available.

Do we have to attend a training session prior to volunteering?
Volunteers for repack sessions will receive a brief orientation introducing new volunteers to the Food Depository and detailed description and instructions of the project prior to your session. Some volunteer positions do require training.

Will we be required to lift heavy objects?
Repack volunteers are not required to do heavy lifting, but should be prepared to stand for 90 minutes at a time with some light lifting and bending, depending on the project. Some volunteer positions including produce delivery and loading vehicles do require heavy lifting.

Are there volunteer opportunities on Sunday?
The Food Depository is closed on Sunday. Please contact a member agency for possible Sunday opportunities.

How do I get there?
Visit the Food Depository's contacts page for driving and public transportation directions.

Is there parking available?
Yes, the Food Depository has a parking lot. If the lot is full, there is also non-metered, non-permit street parking surrounding the building.

Where can I find a community service application form?
Right here. Download this form.