Volunteer at Foodlink
Volunteers are critical to our mission of ending hunger and building healthier communities!
From sorting donated food in our distribution center, to assisting Curbside Market customers, to helping us maintain the Foodlink Community Farm, we offer an array of volunteer opportunities that are perfect for individuals, families, groups, and more!
Explore how you can get involved and begin your volunteer journey with Foodlink today!
Did you know?
volunteer hours were donated to Foodlink last year!
additional full-time employees would be needed to match our volunteers’ productivity!
pounds of food are sorted by our volunteers!
Opportunities
Distribution Center
Community Health Education
Curbside Market
Community Farm
Administrative tasks
Community Kitchen
Testimonials
Requirements
All individuals must abide by Foodlink’s requirements to ensure a safe and positive volunteer experience for all. Please also review the individual project descriptions, as some volunteer projects may have additional requirements.
Everyone must register for volunteer shifts. No walk-ins allowed.
Volunteer activities will include standing and lifting up to 25-50 lbs. throughout the duration of the volunteer shift (excluding administrative activities).
Closed-toed shoes are necessary at all sites.
- Volunteers who arrive 15 minutes or later past the start time of their shift will be asked to reschedule.
- Volunteers should dress appropriately for the weather. Some volunteer projects are outdoors, and the warehouse can be cold.
- Volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Individuals under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Volunteers must arrive on time for their shifts.
FAQ
If you are a returning volunteer, please sign up directly on our volunteer calendar. If you are a new volunteer, please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page, to explore our options and register.
All volunteers must sign themselves up for a volunteer opportunity. If you seeking to bring a group of volunteers, group reservations begin with parties of 5 or more. If you would like to secure a group reservation, you will need to complete our group reservation request form. Our Volunteer Programs & Events Coordinator will contact you about availability.
Group leaders must submit a group reservation request form to bring their group to volunteer at Foodlink. Our Volunteer Programs & Event Coordinator will follow up with you with additional information.
We ask that staff aides, job coaches, or chaperones participate with their clients on a 1:1 basis. Clients must be able to meet our minimum requirements. At this time, we can only accept volunteers with intellectual and development disabilities for our donation sorting shifts. Please register for these shifts through our website.
All volunteers must be at least 13 years old to volunteer at Foodlink. Individuals under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Parents can sign up themselves and must sign up their child separately.
Most volunteer projects are three hours long. However, we have other volunteer projects that vary in time on our calendar.
Volunteers are required to closed-toed shoes (no open backs allowed) , and weather-appropriate clothing for their volunteer shift. We also encourage that you bring a water bottle and your energy!
Most volunteer opportunities at Foodlink are moderate to high in physical intensity. Projects will include frequent walking, standing, and lifting boxes up to 25-50 lbs. However, we do offer administrative projects as well. Please review our volunteer project descriptions for details.
Most volunteer opportunities will take place at Foodlink, which is located at 2011 Mt. Read Blvd, Rochester NY 14615.
For the foreseeable future, volunteers will now park in the main office lot as well as the adjacent overflow lot as we work to upgrade our parking lot.
When walking to and from your car, please exercise extra caution, particularly in areas with heavy traffic.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this exciting time of change.
Other volunteer volunteer opportunities may take place at off-site locations:
Foodlink Community Farm: 607 Lexington Ave. Rochester, NY 14623. Please park in the gravel parking lot.
JSY: Public Market 280 Union St N, Rochester, NY 14609. This opportunity takes place in the B Shed and public parking is available in nearby lots.
Please contact Thomas Le our Volunteer Programs & Event Coordinator via email at thomasle@foodlinkny.org for more information on how to register.
WHO DO I CONTACT WITH ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
For additional questions, please contact our Volunteer Programs & Events Coordinator at: thomasle@foodlinkny.org or 585-413-4085
