Volunteer with NH Food Bank

Volunteers bring their hearts and their hands to their work at the New Hampshire Food Bank. Their efforts are vital to our mission of feeding our neighbors experiencing hunger throughout New Hampshire. In 2024, our volunteers dedicated more than 25,394 hours to the NH Food Bank. Our warehouse and office are abuzz with hunger-relief activity and your help is needed more than ever!

Please note: Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while volunteering for the NH Food Bank.

Questions? Contact our volunteer coordinator, Ashley, at 603.669.9725 ext. 1131 or email amoulton@nhfoodbank.org.

Volunteers understand that they will be working alongside people from all walks of life, including other volunteers, Food Bank staff, and public visitors. As a program of Catholic Charities NH, NH Food Bank volunteers are expected to present themselves in a manner consistent with CCNH’s shared values of collaboration, honor, optimism, integrity, compassion, excellence and service.

Volunteer Opportunties

  • Agency Support

    Please note: Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while volunteering for the NH Food Bank.

    • Where: NH Food Bank, 700 East Industrial Park Drive. Manchester, NH
    • When: Monday through Friday from 8am-1pm or agency appointment completion.
    • Dress Code: Volunteers must wear CLOSED TOE SHOES, long pants or shorts no more than 3-5 inches above the knee and T-shirts or long-sleeved tops are permitted. Tops must cover midriff and cannot be sleeveless. This is required to volunteer at the NH Food Bank.

    About This Opportunity:
    When NH Food Bank partner agencies, like food pantries, pick up their orders at our warehouse, they have the opportunity to access and shop for additional items in our Agency Shopping Area. Volunteers directly assist our agencies with a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: checking them in, recording the weight of selected items, inspecting donated items before placing in the shopping area, and ensuring agencies are moving in and out of the warehouse in accordance with NH Food Bank safety protocols. Volunteers will also assist with organizing and cleaning both inside and outside of the cooler. This is an indoor activity.

    Task Requirements:
    Tasks for this opportunity may require volunteers to –

    • Stand or bend for extended periods of time.
    • Lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects of varying weights up to 40lbs. Carts are available for volunteer and agency use.
    • Comprehend and follow verbal instructions.
    • Have ordinary close and distance vision.
    • Regularly use wrists, hands and fingers.
    • Add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers with or without a calculator to log product weights.
    • Clearly hear voices, machinery, and safety beeps from machinery that are used to indicate when they are coming and going from an area.
    • Possess fine motor skills in order to comfortably and safely use utility knives to break down cardboard
    • Occasional use of manual pallet jacks to move pallets with or without product aboard.
    • Must be able to withstand temperatures of 33-40ºF for short periods of time.

    Volunteers understand that they will be working alongside people from all walks of life, including other volunteers, Food Bank staff, and public visitors. As a program of Catholic Charities NH, NH Food Bank volunteers are expected to present themselves in a manner consistent with CCNH’s shared values of collaboration, honor, optimism, integrity, compassion, excellence and service.

  • Fresh Rescue Perishable Food Sorting – Groups of 6 or more.

    Please note: Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while volunteering for the NH Food Bank.

    • When: Can be booked Tuesday-Thursday from 8:30am – 11:30am
    • Where: New Hampshire Food Bank, 700 East Industrial Park Drive, Manchester NH
    • Dress Code: Must wear CLOSED TOE SHOES, pants and shorts no more than 3-5 inches above the knee, tops must cover midriff and not be sleeveless. T-shirts or long-sleeved tops are acceptable. This is required to volunteer at the NH Food Bank.

    About This Opportunity:
    NH Food Bank’s Fresh Rescue program helps combat food waste by recovering excess frozen goods from grocery partners throughout the state. Volunteers inspect these goods for any signs of damage or contamination, and then sort and categorize high-quality goods for distribution to our partner agencies. Groups are supplied with gloves and bottled water. Other food and drinks are not allowed in the warehouse.

    Task Requirements
    Tasks for this opportunity require volunteers to –

    • Stand or bend for extended periods of time.
    • Lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects of varying weights up to 34lbs.
    • Comprehend and follow verbal instructions.
    • Have ordinary close and distance vision.
    • Regularly use wrists, hands and fingers.
    • Clearly hear voices, machinery, and safety beeps from machinery that are used to indicate when they are coming and going from an area.
    • Possess fine motor skills in order to comfortably and safely use utility knives to break down cardboard.

    Volunteers understand that they will be working alongside people from all walks of life, including other volunteers, Food Bank staff, and public visitors. As a program of Catholic Charities NH, NH Food Bank volunteers are expected to present themselves in a manner consistent with CCNH’s shared values of collaboration, honor, optimism, integrity, compassion, excellence and service.

     

     

  • J.F.K. Food Drop

    Please note: Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while volunteering for the NH Food Bank.

    • Where: 303 Beech Street, Manchester NH
    • When: Every Saturday from 8:30am-12:30pm.
    • Dress Code: Must wear CLOSED TOE SHOES, pants and shorts no more than 3-5 inches above the knee, tops must cover midriff and not be sleeveless. T-shirts or long-sleeved tops are acceptable. This is required to volunteer at the NH Food Bank. This opportunity takes place outdoors and in all types of weather (i.e. rain, snow, heat) so volunteers should dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

    About This Opportunity:
    The J.F.K. Food Drop distribution is coordinated and led by Food for Children, a nonprofit ministry organization. The NH Food Bank provides food for distribution and volunteers in support of this weekly food distribution event which serves 300-400 local families each week. NH Food Bank volunteers help set up tables, distribute food/items, carry items for those who are unable to, assist with clean at the end of distribution and other tasks. Please note: NH Food Bank volunteers will work alongside volunteers and staff from Food for Children.

    Task Requirements
    Tasks for this opportunity require volunteers to

    • Comprehend and follow verbal instructions.
    • Stand or bend for extended periods of time.
    • Lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects of varying weights up to 30-35lbs.
    • Regularly use wrists, hands and fingers.

    Volunteers understand that they will be working alongside people from all walks of life, including other volunteers, Food Bank staff, and public visitors. As a program of Catholic Charities NH, NH Food Bank volunteers are expected to present themselves in a manner consistent with CCNH’s shared values of collaboration, honor, optimism, integrity, compassion, excellence and service.

     

  • Meal Prep – Maximum group size of 6 individuals

    Please note: Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older to participate in this volunteer activity. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while volunteering for the NH Food Bank.

    • Where: NH Food Bank, 700 East Industrial Park Drive. Manchester, NH.
    • When: Mondays through Thursdays from 9am-12pm.
    • Dress Code: Must wear CLOSED TOE SHOES and long pants with no holes, t-shirts or long-sleeved tops are acceptable. Tops must cover midriff and cannot be sleeveless. Dangling jewelry, shorts and leggings are not permitted. Long hair must be tied back and volunteers will be required to wear hair nets and may require beard nets as applicable. This is required to volunteer at the NH Food Bank.

    About this Opportunity:
    The NH Food Bank’s Culinary Job Training Kitchen produces approximately 4,500-6,500 meals per week for NH Food Bank partner agencies, like afterschool programs, shelters and more. Production kitchen volunteers help prepare congregate meals for these agencies. Tasks may include but are not limited to: washing, cutting and cooking a variety of proteins, starches, and produce. The kitchen is a fast-paced environment and routinely uses standard commercial kitchen equipment.

    Task Requirements:
    Tasks for this opportunity may require volunteers to –

    • Stand or bend for extended periods of time.
    • Occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects of varying weights up to 40lbs.
    • Utilize fine motor skills in order to comfortably and safely use kitchen tools, e.g. knives, peelers, etc.
    • Comprehend and follow verbal instructions.
    • Regularly use wrists, hands and fingers.

    Volunteers understand that they will be working alongside people from all walks of life, including other volunteers, Food Bank staff, and public visitors. As a program of Catholic Charities NH, NH Food Bank volunteers are expected to present themselves in a manner consistent with CCNH’s shared values of collaboration, honor, optimism, integrity, compassion, excellence and service.

     

  • Mobile Food Pantries

    Please note: Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while volunteering for the NH Food Bank.

    • Where & When: Throughout NH! Locations and dates vary, please check the Mobile Food Pantry schedule on our website!
    • Dress Code: Must wear CLOSED TOE SHOES, pants and shorts of no more than 3-5 inches above the knee, tops must cover midriff and not be sleeveless. T-shirts or long-sleeved tops are acceptable. This is required to volunteer at the NH Food Bank. This opportunity takes place outdoors and in all types of weather (i.e. rain, snow, heat) so volunteers should dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

    About This Opportunity:
    The NH Food Bank’s Mobile Food Pantry program supplies neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity with relief assistance. This program schedules regular distributions throughout the state and then travels to those communities where an assortment of produce and shelf-stable foods are distributed directly to individuals in a drive-thru format. This is an outdoor, fast-paced, drive-thru style event. Volunteers help NH Food Bank staff with tasks including but not limited to: loading cars with food in boxes, helping direct the flow of traffic, completing intake forms, etc.

    Task Requirements
    Tasks for this opportunity require volunteers to –

    • Comprehend and follow verbal instructions and safety protocols.
    • Stand, bend, for extended periods of time.
    • Lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects of varying weights up to 30-35lbs.
    • Regularly use wrists, hands and fingers.

    Intake position tasks for this opportunity require volunteers to –

    • Consistent walking on asphalt
    • Maneuvering among vehicles in a parking lot
    • Interacting with the public in their vehicles
    • Possess fine motor skills that allow for accurate logging of intake information (handwritten or otherwise)

    Volunteers understand that they will be working alongside people from all walks of life, including other volunteers, Food Bank staff, and public visitors. As a program of Catholic Charities NH, NH Food Bank volunteers are expected to present themselves in a manner consistent with CCNH’s shared values of collaboration, honor, optimism, integrity, compassion, excellence and service.

  • Production Garden – Seasonal

    Please note: Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while volunteering for the NH Food Bank.

    • Where: 1056 River Rd. Manchester, NH
    • When: Monday through Friday. Am session from 8am-11am. PM session from 11am-2pm
    • Dress Code: Pants and shorts no more than 3-5 inches above the knee are permitted. Please wear CLOSED TOE SHOES. Tops must cover midriff and cannot be sleeveless. T-shirts or long-sleeved tops are acceptable. This is required to volunteer at the NH Food Bank. This opportunity takes place outdoors and in all types of weather (i.e. rain, snow, heat) so volunteers should dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

    About This Opportunity:
    Located on an acre of land in North Manchester, NH Food Bank’s production garden provides fresh produce for our Culinary Job Training Kitchen, Cooking Matters® program, and partner agencies. In 2024, volunteers helped support the growth and harvest of more than 15,600 pounds of nutritious produce for our neighbors experiencing hunger statewide.

    Volunteers help our garden coordinator with overall garden maintenance. Volunteer tasks include but are not limited to: tilling, weeding, planting, harvesting, or winterizing depending on the point in the season. Tools needed for tasks are provided. A limited number of gardening gloves are available on site (if you have gloves, we would recommend bringing, in case we run out). We also recommend bringing your own refillable water bottles (tap available on site) and/or bottled water. Portable restroom available on site. Please note: garden space is in an open field, limited shade available.

    Task Requirements:
    Tasks for this opportunity may require volunteers to –

    • Stand or bend for extended periods of time.
    • Lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects of varying weights, up 30-40 pounds.
    • Utilize fine motor skills to pull out weeds and comfortably and safely use garden equipment e.g shovel, rake, etc.
    • Comprehend and follow verbal instructions.
    • Regularly use wrists, hands and fingers.

    Volunteers understand that they will be working alongside people from all walks of life, including other volunteers, Food Bank staff, and public visitors. As a program of Catholic Charities NH, NH Food Bank volunteers are expected to present themselves in a manner consistent with CCNH’s shared values of collaboration, honor, optimism, integrity, compassion, excellence and service.

     

Court-Mandated

  • Court-Mandated Policy

    The NH Food Bank accepts volunteers performing court-mandated community service.

    Volunteers who are performing court-mandated community service must disclose the nature of their conviction to the Volunteer Coordinator and/or any other staff member of the NH Food Bank.

    Please note:

    • The NH Food Bank will not accept volunteers who have been convicted of violent crimes, crimes of a sexual nature, theft, burglary, drug sales, or identity theft crimes.
    • The NH Food Bank reserves the right to decline any volunteer or to limit which days or hours a volunteer can work.
    • The NH Food Bank may establish pre-conditions for a court-mandated volunteer to work, and reserves the right to dismiss a volunteer at any time during their scheduled time.
    • Court-mandated volunteers are responsible for tracking their own hours. Any paperwork to be signed must be brought to the NH Food Bank to be signed upon completion of the hours worked each day. Hours for court-mandated community service: Monday thru Friday, 8am-4pm.
    • Proper dress close-toed shoes are required; any volunteers failing to arrive in such will be sent home without completion of hours.
    • It is not the responsibility of the NH Food Bank to accommodate court-mandated community service volunteers who wait until the last minute to fulfill their obligation. No exceptions will be made to this policy.

    For more information please call 603.669.9725 x 1131

    Click below to download the form that must be filled out, signed, and submitted to the NH Food Bank Volunteer Coordinator a minimum of 3 days prior to any community service:

     

Cooking Matters NH Volunteer Opportunities

The Food Trust’s Cooking Matters® is a cooking-based nutrition education program that empowers low-income families with the confidence and skills to prepare healthy, tasty meals on a limited budget.  Cooking Matters® courses meet for two hours, once a week for six weeks and are team-taught by a volunteer culinary instructor, nutrition educator and classroom assistant. Volunteers must have an interest in working with low-income individuals with diverse backgrounds, as well as the Cooking Matters mission.

To learn more about these opportunities, including how to sign up:   Click here 

To learn more, contact our Cooking Matters team: Email us

Cooking Matters NH

  • Cooking Matters Volunteer Class Assistant

    Cooking Matters Volunteer Class Assistants are expected to actively participate as a teaching team member. Volunteers go through Cooking Matters® volunteer training before attending a class and must have a reliable form of transportation or ability to travel to class location. Class Assistants will be the support system to the nutrition and culinary instructors which may include; managing class materials (food, dishes and equipment), set-up and take-down, leading small groups, lifting 20lbs, good communication skills.

    For more information, see Cooking Matters Volunteer Opportunities.

    To learn more and sign up, contact our Cooking Matters team: Email us

  • Cooking Matters® Volunteer Culinary Instructor

    Volunteer Culinary Instructors will be teaching basic food safety skills, knife skills and help with recipe preparation. Cooking Matters volunteers are expected to actively participate as a teaching team member. Volunteers go through Cooking Matters® volunteer training before attending a class and must have a reliable form of transportation or ability to travel to class location.

    For more information, see Cooking Matters Volunteer Opportunities.

    To learn more and sign up, contact our Cooking Matters team: Email us

  • Cooking Matters® Volunteer Nutrition Instructor

    It is highly recommended that Volunteer Nutrition Instructors to have a strong nutritional background or strong understanding of nutrition. Cooking Matters volunteers are expected to actively participate as a teaching team member. Volunteers go through Cooking Matters® volunteer training before attending a class and must have a reliable form of transportation or ability to travel to class location.

    For more information, see Cooking Matters Volunteer Opportunities.

    To learn more and sign up, contact our Cooking Matters team: Email us

Other Ways to Help

Donate

Host a Food Drive

Attend an Event