Volunteers play a vital role in the work of the Regional Food Bank. Every day, volunteers assist in our warehouse, on our farm, in our office, and in the community to ensure our operation continues to be most efficient. Whatever your age or ability, there is a place for you to volunteer at the Food Bank.
For more information please contact:
Mary (M.E.) Mazur
Volunteer Coordinator
518-786-3691 x234
volunteers@regionalfoodbank.net
Volunteer Activities
Sorting and Re-Boxing Donations on our Warehouse Dock
Family Friendly & Great For All Ages
Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Donations come to us in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes food needs to be sorted and repacked before it can be given out. Volunteers help us repack bulk-packaged items into useable, family-size packages; sort useable items from damaged products; and re-label mislabeled or unlabeled cans and bottles.
We also receive a large amount of non-food items that need to be sorted – things like soap and shampoo, household supplies, linens, dishes, etc. Whatever you sort when you volunteer at the Food Bank, your efforts help low-income families stretch their limited budgets and eat better.
As a group: Organize friends, family members, sports team, religious groups, or officemates for a fun, team-building shift or two. Two-hour time slots are available weeknights from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Weekend shifts of varying length are available from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Contact us to set up a shift for you!
As an individual: Don’t have a big group to organize? No problem. Check out our monthly schedule to see when we have time available for individuals to volunteer.
Contact: Volunteer Coordinators at (518)786-3691 ext. 234 for individuals, x268 for groups, or volunteers@regionalfoodbank.net
Sorting in our Salvage Sorting Room
Must Be 18 or Older
As a group: Ideal for the gung-ho volunteer group looking to make a large impact. This job requires a commitment of 15-35 adults and a three hour shift. We host groups in our Salvage Sorting Room Tuesday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Let us know if you would like to reserve a shift for your group.
As an individual: On a regular basis, Tuesday-Friday mornings, volunteers sort food in the Salvage Sorting Room. For this work we ask for an ongoing commitment due to the training required. Volunteers usually commit to the same day every week, however biweekly or monthly commitments are also welcome.
We are currently looking to add individual volunteers to the Salvage Sorting Room schedule as follows:
Wednesday, Thursday or Friday mornings from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday afternoons from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
If you would like to make a regular commitment to one of these shifts please let us know.
Contact: Volunteer Coordinators at (518) 786-3691 ext. 268 or volunteers@regionalfoodbank.net
Working on the Patroon Land Farm
April through October
Our fifteen-acre vegetable farm, located at 132 Ketcham Road in Voorheesville, needs volunteers all through the spring, summer and fall. Volunteers work in multiple facets including planting, weeding, picking and packing.
As a group: Groups of all ages and sizes can be scheduled in advance any day of the week, generally in two- or three-hours shifts between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm..
As an individual: Individual volunteers are greatly needed on weekdays, but weekend help is also appreciated. Times are available from 9:00 am -3:00 pm. Choose the length of time that suits your schedule.
Contact: Laura Martin at lauram@regionalfoodbank.net
Helping Out in the Office
Weekdays – Sporadic/On-Call
Volunteers assist Food Bank employees with everyday tasks as well as special projects. Volunteers file reports, assist with data entry, prepare mailings and more. These opportunities are available on an as-needed basis. Individuals can be added to our contact list in order to be notified when help is needed.
Contact: Volunteer Coordinators at (518)786-3691 ext. 234 or volunteers@regionalfoodbank.net
Volunteering for the Holiday Hunger Appeal
November & December Only
The Food Bank’s largest and most public fundraising appeal takes place each year during the holiday season at Crossgates Mall. Hundreds of volunteers spend a few hours asking shoppers to donate to the Food Bank. Businesses, civic organizations, schools, and families are encouraged to sign up for a full day or just one shift.
Contact: Jessica Tanner at (518) 786-3691, x295 or jessicat@regionalfoodbank.net