Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, serving Orlando and surrounding counties, relies heavily on the generosity of volunteers. In fact, thousands of volunteers contribute countless hours annually to help fight hunger in the community. If you’re looking for ways to give back, Second Harvest Food Bank Orlando offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to suit different interests and schedules.
Ways to Volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank Orlando
Volunteering with Second Harvest Food Bank Orlando can take many forms, from sorting and packing food donations to assisting with administrative tasks. Here’s a breakdown of the available options:
On-Site Volunteering in Orlando
The most common way to volunteer is at the Orlando warehouse, where you can participate in various activities like:
- Donation Sorting: Inspecting and organizing donated food items.
- Food Packing: Assembling food boxes or bags for distribution to individuals and families.
- Warehouse Assistance: Helping with general warehouse duties, such as stocking shelves and loading trucks.
Important Considerations for On-Site Volunteers:
- Registration: Each volunteer must register individually online to ensure accurate hour tracking. The online calendar primarily displays opportunities in Orange County.
- Age Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 10 years old with an adult chaperone (18+) or 16 years old to volunteer independently. Special family nights accommodate children aged 5-9.
- Dress Code: Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes are mandatory. Appropriate attire, including non-revealing shorts and shirts, is required. No see-through clothing, spaghetti straps, or crop tops are allowed.
- Community Service: Second Harvest does not participate in court-ordered community service programs. Refer to Handson Orlando for court-mandated options.
Volunteering in Other Central Florida Locations
For those living outside of Orange County, Second Harvest also has branches in other Central Florida counties:
- Brevard County: Register for volunteer opportunities through their online signup portal or call 321-733-1600.
- Volusia County: Inquire about volunteer opportunities by calling 386-257-4499.
Group Volunteering
Groups of 5 or more can volunteer together. Follow these steps to schedule a group volunteer session:
- Find an Open Shift: Check the online volunteer calendar for available shifts with enough slots for your group size.
- Email Request: Send an email to [email protected] including your group name, number of volunteers, desired shift date and time, a contact phone number, and the ages of any youth volunteers.
- Confirmation: Await a confirmation email from Second Harvest to finalize your reservation.
Volunteer Leadership Opportunities
For those seeking a more involved role, consider becoming a Volunteer Captain. Captains assist staff in managing volunteer projects within the warehouse. Learn more about becoming a Volunteer Captain.
Virtual Volunteering and Other Ways to Support Second Harvest
Even without physically being present, you can still make a difference:
- Virtual Food Drive: Organize an online fundraising campaign to provide meals to those in need. Start a virtual food drive.
- Brand Ambassador: Become a Second Harvest Food Bank Ambassador and advocate for their mission within the community. Sign up to be an ambassador.
- Financial Donations: Make a monetary contribution online to support Second Harvest’s operations.
- Social Media Advocacy: Follow and share Second Harvest’s social media posts (@feedhopenow) to raise awareness about hunger and their programs.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
Second Harvest Food Bank Orlando offers a range of ways to contribute to the fight against hunger. Whether you prefer hands-on involvement, virtual support, or leadership roles, there’s an opportunity for you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families facing food insecurity. Contact the Volunteer Department at 407-295-1066 ext. 1047 or email [email protected] with any questions.
