Volunteer
Each month, we distribute about three-quarters of a million pounds of food through an average of 250 programs and locations to meet the needs of our community. This would not be possible without the help of more than 5,000 volunteers each year.
Volunteers regularly help ensure the safety, equity, and dignity of the food we distribute by working in the Hunger Solutions Center. Our volunteers also welcome and reassure guests at our pantries and distributions.
We appreciate your interest in volunteering with the Food Bank of Lincoln. Every volunteer plays an important role in our efforts to alleviate hunger in Southeast Nebraska.
Thank you for your hunger to help!
Individuals
Want to know how to volunteer as an individual? Check out our volunteer application.
Groups
Are you part of a group looking to volunteer? Check out our group volunteer application.
Sign-Up
After submitting an application, check out our volunteer hub to view and sign-up for volunteer activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
All Food Bank volunteering requires closed-toe shoes to meet health code requirements for food handling. If you arrive without food-safe footwear, you will be asked to sit out volunteering.
Otherwise, dress comfortably to move in whatever weather we’re having. Our new Hunger Solutions Center has some amazing upgrades to help us manage the temperature, but we cannot fully control the climate. If it’s hot outside, it will be warm inside. If it’s cold outside, it will be cool inside.
What size groups can you accomodate?
We love having groups of all sizes! If you are signing up as a group, we have a simple online registration.
If your group is larger than 15 people, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at lritta@lincolnfoodbank.org, or call 402-466-8170 ext. 1992.
What is your age limit for volunteering?
Ages 16 and up are welcome at all distributions.
Ages 12 and up are welcome to volunteer in the Hunger Solutions Center and at our school events. Ages 12 – 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I do community service hours at the Food Bank?
We have community service available through our volunteer program for misdemeanor and non-violent felony cases. Please fill out the Individual application and indicate that your hours require documentation. We’ll have you fill out an additional form for your contact officer, but you will be able to register for volunteer sessions online the same way everyone else does.
For cases involving assault, battery, destruction of property, firearms, etc., we cannot assist with community service at this time.
If you have any questions about serving community service hours at the Food Bank, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Lauren Ritta, directly at lritta@lincolnfoodbank.org.
Will my event be canceled if the weather is bad?
Out of concern for staff, volunteer and guest safety, we may cancel or postpone events during inclement weather. We will let you know in advance if that is the case. Otherwise, we work in the rain, snow, and wind.
What if I need to cancel?
Our work is to provide emergency assistance for our neighbors’ most basic human needs. Unexplained absences create real hardship for people who depend on our service. Please let us know ASAP if you will be unable to attend your planned volunteer shift.