Q: How do I volunteer at the NH Food Bank?

A: To set up a time to volunteer at the NH Food Bank, you should contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Nikki McCarter, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . She will get you the necessary forms and schedule a time for you to come volunteer.

Q: What is the minimum volunteer age?

A: Due to heavy machinery working in the warehouse Monday thru Friday, the minimum age is 12. During evening and weekend shifts when there is little or no machinery in the warehouse, we can allow children as young as 8 years old. Any volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian or chaperone.

Q: When can I volunteer?

A: Most of our volunteer activities take place Monday thru Friday, 8:30am-11:00am, but we do have opportunities at other times during the week. If you or your group are interested in volunteering, be sure to contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Nikki McCarter, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and we'll work with you to get something scheduled.

Q: Do I need to schedule in advance, or can I just show up?

A: Please schedule in advance. If we don't know that you're coming, there's a good chance we won't have anything for you to do. It's best if you schedule in advance so we can be sure to have an activity set up for you to help with and so you can get the paperwork filled out before you arrive. Opportunities for our Saturday Food Drops frequently get filled up months in advance so you'll definitely need to sign up early.

Q: What should I wear?

Warehouse volunteers must have on secure footwear that covers the toes and top of the foot.  No open toe shoes allowed!  You'll want to dress comfortably, but please nothing excessively torn or inappropriate.  If you'll be working in our warehouse, keep in mind that you will probably be on your feet and moving around most of the time you are working and that the temperature in the warehouse is usually similar to the temperature outside.  If you're scheduled to help with a food drop or in our gardens, you should be prepared for whatever the weather conditions are for that day.  Also, you might consider wearing clothes you don't mind getting dirty.  Closed toed shoes are a must for these events as well.

Q: Is there anything I need to bring?

You're always welcome to collect food and bring it with you to donate.  For more information, see our food drive page.  We should have all materials you will need for your volunteer job.  If not, we will let you know in advance.  Your own gloves are recommended.  It would also be a good idea NOT to bring your valuables with you into the building as we don't always have a secure place for you to keep them.

Q: How do I get to your warehouse?

Our address is 700 East Industrial Park Drive in Manchester, NH.  Click here to view a map with directions.  Please note that if you use a GPS to find us, you might "arrive" before our entrance.  Be sure to look for the NH Food Bank sign on the road side of our warehouse, which is visible from the street.

Q: I have time during the week but can't commit to every week; can I still help out?

Yes, you are welcome to come in and help when you can as long as you let us know ahead of time.  Many of our volunteers have other activities, travel, grandchildren, etc. and come in as often as their schedule allows.

Q: Is the NH Food Bank able to accommodate the special needs of a handicapped or disabled person as a volunteer?

We occasionally have projects that our special needs volunteers can help with.  Please call Nikki at (603) 669-9725 x131 to discuss opportunities.

Q: Does the NH Food Bank have a meeting room we can use before or after our volunteer visit?

Yes, we have rooms available for your group to meet in.  If you let us know in advance that your group would like a meeting space, we can reserve the room and have it set up for you.

Q: Are there places to eat near the NH Food Bank?

There are several restaurants and fast food places in the area as well as places that will deliver to our warehouse.  Contact the Volunteer Coordinator if you'd like to discuss specific options.  Volunteer groups interested in bringing food or having food delivered to eat together at the NH Food Bank should let us know so we can reserve a space for your group.

Q: Are there any other volunteer opportunities for the NH Food Bank that are not in the warehouse?

Yes!  We have many off-site opportunities including: food drops, driver's assistant, and farm gleaning.  All of our garden volunteer opportunities are off-site as well.

Q: What are your warehouse regulations/safety rules?

No open-toed shoes may be worn in the warehouse.  NO eating, drinking, running or smoking in the warehouse.  Food and grocery items in the warehouse are intended for needy people and member charities only.  Volunteers must not remove any products from the premises.  Volunteers must not touch, handle or operate any warehouse equipment, i.e. hand truck, fork lift.  All volunteers should remain in their assigned work area.  Please report to the group leader or Food Bank staff if you need to leave your work area.  Cleaning up of the work area is part of your volunteer visit.

Still have questions?  Let us know!  Call us at (603) 669-9725 or email your questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .