Click here to sign up  

1. What are your volunteer hours?

The Houston Food Bank offers the following volunteer shifts:

Portwall Warehouse:

Monday and Wednesday 8:00am to noon, 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:00am to noon, 1:00pm to 5:00pm and 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Saturday 8:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Keegan Kitchen:

Monday through Saturday 8:00am to noon and 1:00pm to 5:00pm

2. Do you offer evening volunteer sessions?

Yes, the Houston Food Bank offers evening shifts at the Portwall Warehouse on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The shift time is 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

3. What are your age requirements?

For safety purposes the minimum age for volunteering is 8 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult when volunteering.

4. Do I need to make an appointment to volunteer or can I walk-in?

All volunteering is by appointment only and must be done on the Houston Food Bank’s website. When a volunteer makes their appointment he/she will receive a volunteer “boarding pass. This “boarding pass” must be printed out and brought to the volunteer shift.

5. What should I wear?

Volunteers should wear close-toed shoes and clothes appropriate to work in a warehouse or kitchen. No sandals/flip-flops, short skirts/shorts above the knee or low-cut shirts. Individuals wearing opened toed shoes will not be allowed in warehouse areas.

6. What will I be doing?

The Houston Food Bank is a packaging and distribution setting. Volunteers will be placed in areas based on the age of volunteers and current needs of the food bank. Physical or mental limitations should be discussed prior to scheduling a volunteer session. On the day of their scheduled volunteer shift, all volunteers will be orientated prior to beginning their volunteer project.

7. Where do I park?

Any available parking spots in the front of the Foodbank. Over 300 parking spots are available. Carpooling is always encouraged.

8. Does the Houston Food Bank accept court-ordered volunteers?

Yes, as with all volunteers pre-screening is required. The food bank reserves the right to deny volunteer services based on certain serious offenses.

Click here for court appointed volunteers over age 18 years of age

Click here for court appointed volunteers 17 years of age or below

9. When I get there where do I report?

All volunteers are asked to report to the Welcome Desk in the lobby. A Welcome sign is visible when you walk into the lobby. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled volunteer shift.

10. Do I need to sign in?

Yes, be sure to bring your volunteer “boarding pass”. Your volunteer “boarding pass will be scanned and you will be signed in.

11. Does the Houston Food Bank provide proof of volunteer service?

Yes, upon request the Houston Food Bank will provide volunteers with a dated letter date and number of hours volunteered. The Volunteer Services staff will also sign any school/church/community service forms after each session.

12. Does the Houston Food Bank keep track of volunteer hours?

Yes, the Houston Food Bank keeps accurate records of all volunteer hours. Volunteers must sign in and out when they volunteer- this ensures we have accurate data.