Join Santa Monica Wednesday Farmers Market Glean with Food Forward
Recover produce, fight hunger, and build community at your local farmers market! We "glean"---meaning we collect fresh, surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste--and donate 100% to local hunger relief organizations. Join the Volunteer Glean Team to help collect fruit and vegetable donations from vendors at the farmers market, and then box, sort, and weigh the donations. Volunteers should be comfortable carrying boxes of produce that may weigh up to 40 pounds, but can register to volunteer with someone who can help them lift if 40 pounds is too heavy. Volunteers don't need to worry about bringing equipment or transporting the food. This opportunity is open to volunteers 12 years old and older, though children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check the Volunteer FAQ page on their website to learn more about what to expect at volunteer events.
Help at Downtown Women’s Center Onsite Kitchen Afternoon Shift on Wednesdays
DWC's Kitchen served over 260,000 meals in 2020 alone: our incredible Kitchen team serves three nutritious meals seven days a week and offers an important space for women to connect and to share a meal with each other. Kitchen volunteers help with meal preparation (e.g. chopping and measuring); help keep the kitchen clean and organized (e.g. wiping counters, organizing the food pantry and cabinets); and serve our delicious meals to participants. Kitchen volunteering is a great fit for volunteers who like working in a team while also interacting with DWC participants.
Assemble Food Packages for Families Facing Food Insecurities! Every Wednesday Shift 2 – INDUSTRY BUILDING
Since 1973, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has worked to mobilize resources in the community to alleviate hunger. We will be assembling food packages for over 29,000 families, older adults, and children who face food insecurity in Los Angeles County. (The food packages consist of food items like canned fruit, canned vegetables, rice, cereal and other non-perishable food items.) Please refer to volunteer guidelines and dress code on sign-up. Volunteers must be 18+ to participate.
Join Atwater Village Wednesday Farmers Market Glean with Food Forward
Recover produce, fight hunger, and build community at your local farmers market! We "glean"---meaning we collect fresh, surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste--and donate 100% to local hunger relief organizations. Join the Volunteer Glean Team to help collect fruit and vegetable donations from vendors at the farmers market, and then box, sort, and weigh the donations. Volunteers should be comfortable carrying boxes of produce that may weigh up to 40 pounds, but can register to volunteer with someone who can help them lift if 40 pounds is too heavy. Volunteers don't need to worry about bringing equipment or transporting the food. This opportunity is open to volunteers 12 years old and older, though children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check the Volunteer FAQ page on their website to learn more about what to expect at volunteer events.
Take Part in Mar Vista Wednesday Farmers Market Glean with Food Forward
Recover produce, fight hunger, and build community at your local farmers market! We "glean"---meaning we collect fresh, surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste--and donate 100% to local hunger relief organizations. Join the Volunteer Glean Team to help collect fruit and vegetable donations from vendors at the farmers market, and then box, sort, and weigh the donations. Volunteers should be comfortable carrying boxes of produce that may weigh up to 40 pounds, but can register to volunteer with someone who can help them lift if 40 pounds is too heavy. Volunteers don't need to worry about bringing equipment or transporting the food. This opportunity is open to volunteers 12 years old and older, though children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check the Volunteer FAQ page on their website to learn more about what to expect at volunteer events.
Join Channel Islands Harbor Wednesday Farmers Market Glean with Food Forward
Recover produce, fight hunger, and build community at your local farmers market! We "glean"---meaning we collect fresh, surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste--and donate 100% to local hunger relief organizations. Join the Volunteer Glean Team to help collect fruit and vegetable donations from vendors at the farmers market, and then box, sort, and weigh the donations. Volunteers should be comfortable carrying boxes of produce that may weigh up to 40 pounds, but can register to volunteer with someone who can help them lift if 40 pounds is too heavy. Volunteers don't need to worry about bringing equipment or transporting the food. This opportunity is open to volunteers 12 years old and older, though children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check the Volunteer FAQ page on their website to learn more about what to expect at volunteer events.
Distribute Food at First New Christian Church (Agency Site)- Wednesday Shift
First New Christian Fellowship Church is a charitable, non-profit organization with a mission to serve the welfare of the city, alleviating hunger by providing nutritious food and nutrition education to people and families in need. Currently, more than 200 clients are served through FNCF's Food Bank program. Duties vary based on need, but typically include signing-in clients, distributing bags of food, and line & distancing control. Project takes place indoors and outdoors.. Volunteers must be 18+ to participate. No court ordered volunteers.
Assist with Kitchen Duties and Prepping Meals – Wednesday Dinner Shift
Volunteering in the kitchen can be a great way to give back to your community. Whether you're helping to prepare meals for those in need, or assisting with kitchen duties such as food serving, bussing, or greeting, your time and effort can make a significant impact on those transitioning away from homelessness. Please keep in mind that you will be asked to also tend to the dining area where you will interact with the participants that LAFH serves. Provide quality service by serving nourishing meals for those who may not otherwise have access to them. You can also help to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can gather and connect over a warm meal. Dress code: Pants, closed-toed shoes, and clean shirt. All volunteers will be wearing a hairnet and gloves. Volunteers need to be 18 plus.
Join Game Night at LA Family Housing Interim Housing Sites Every Wednesday
Play some board games, have a cup of hot cocoa, and chat with families transitioning out of homelessness at an interim housing site in Pacoima. One of the most powerful ways you can help our participants transitioning out of homelessness is to give them opportunities for healthy social interaction. It may seem like you're just playing checkers, but you're helping someone practice their communication skills and heal their interpersonal relationships. Must first attend our required (but awesome) training. Must show proof of vaccination. Volunteers need to be 18 plus.
Assist with Kitchen Duties and Prepping Meals – Thursday Lunch Shift
Volunteering in the kitchen can be a great way to give back to your community. Whether you're helping to prepare meals for those in need, or assisting with kitchen duties such as food serving, bussing, or greeting, your time and effort can make a significant impact on those transitioning away from homelessness. Please keep in mind that you will be asked to also tend to the dining area where you will interact with the participants that LAFH serves. Provide quality service by serving nourishing meals for those who may not otherwise have access to them. You can also help to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can gather and connect over a warm meal. Dress code: Pants, closed-toed shoes, and clean shirt. All volunteers will be wearing a hairnet and gloves. Volunteers need to be 18 plus.
Help at Downtown Women’s Center Onsite Kitchen Early Morning Shift on Thursdays
DWC's Kitchen served over 260,000 meals in 2020 alone: our incredible Kitchen team serves three nutritious meals seven days a week and offers an important space for women to connect and to share a meal with each other. Kitchen volunteers help with meal preparation (e.g. chopping and measuring); help keep the kitchen clean and organized (e.g. wiping counters, organizing the food pantry and cabinets); and serve our delicious meals to participants. Kitchen volunteering is a great fit for volunteers who like working in a team while also interacting with DWC participants.
Help Prepare Food – United University Church (Agency Site)- Thursday Shift
Hope on Union, United University Church is an inclusive, progressive campus and community church. They currently provide food to more than 200 individuals and families through their food pantry. Volunteer duties vary based on need, but typically include: Helping set-up, Distributing food to the community, Guiding clients, Collecting information from clients, Replenishing food supplies Volunteers. Must be 18+ to participate. No court ordered volunteers.
Help pack & distribute food at Our Saviour Center (Agency)-Thursday Shift
Our Saviour Center is a food pantry in El Monte California serving the community since 1985. They currently serve around 240- 500 clients each day they are open. Duties vary based on need, but typically include bagging and packing food, signing-in clients, distributing food and post-event clean up. Must be 18+. No court-ordered volunteers.
Distribute Food at First New Christian Church (Agency Site)- Thursday Shift
First New Christian Fellowship Church is a charitable, non-profit organization with a mission to serve the welfare of the city, alleviating hunger by providing nutritious food and nutrition education to people and families in need. Currently, more than 200 clients are served through FNCF's Food Bank program. Duties vary based on need, but typically include signing-in clients, distributing bags of food, and line & distancing control. Project takes place indoors and outdoors.. Volunteers must be 18+ to participate. No court ordered volunteers.
Assemble Food Packages for Families Facing Food Insecurities! Thursday Shift 1 – INDUSTRY BUILDING
Since 1973, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has worked to mobilize resources in the community to alleviate hunger. We will be assembling food packages for over 29,000 families, older adults, and children who face food insecurity in Los Angeles County. (The food packages consist of food items like canned fruit, canned vegetables, rice, cereal and other non-perishable food items.) Please refer to volunteer guidelines and dress code on sign-up. Volunteers must be 18+ to participate.
Volunteer at a Food Pantry – SOVA West Pico (Agency Site)-Thursday Shift
Jewish Family Service Los Angeles (JFSLA) SOVA West Community Food & Resource Program provides a 5 day supply of free groceries and personal care items (when needed) to families and individuals facing food insecurity in addition to providing information and referrals to other community services. They currently serve 120 clients a day. Must be 18+. ***PLEASE READ*** JFSLA is requiring all volunteers and staff show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. JFSLA is an independent organization and their policies do not reflect those of the Food Bank.
Help Pack & Distribute Food in Long Beach (Agency Site)- Thursday Shift
Christian Outreach in Action (COA) is a non-profit organization, that serves homeless and low-income people in Long Beach. Christian Outreach in Action's Food Bank gives out groceries 5 days a week to low-income, and homeless residents who are hungry and fighting with food insecurity. Food is distributed from Monday through Friday. Must be 18+. No court-ordered volunteers.
Help at Downtown Women’s Center Onsite Kitchen Morning Shift on Thursdays
DWC's Kitchen served over 260,000 meals in 2020 alone: our incredible Kitchen team serves three nutritious meals seven days a week and offers an important space for women to connect and to share a meal with each other. Kitchen volunteers help with meal preparation (e.g. chopping and measuring); help keep the kitchen clean and organized (e.g. wiping counters, organizing the food pantry and cabinets); and serve our delicious meals to participants. Kitchen volunteering is a great fit for volunteers who like working in a team while also interacting with DWC participants.
Assist with Kitchen Duties and Prepping Meals – Thursday Dinner Shift
Volunteering in the kitchen can be a great way to give back to your community. Whether you're helping to prepare meals for those in need, or assisting with kitchen duties such as food serving, bussing, or greeting, your time and effort can make a significant impact on those transitioning away from homelessness. Please keep in mind that you will be asked to also tend to the dining area where you will interact with the participants that LAFH serves. Provide quality service by serving nourishing meals for those who may not otherwise have access to them. You can also help to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can gather and connect over a warm meal. Dress code: Pants, closed-toed shoes, and clean shirt. All volunteers will be wearing a hairnet and gloves. Volunteers need to be 18 plus.
OUTDOORS Volunteers needed to distribute food (Bell Gardens)- Friday Shift
Volunteers are needed to help maintain crowd control and social distancing, and distribute food boxes to seniors in need in our community! The food boxes consist of shelf-stable staples such as milk, beans, grains, and canned fruits and vegetables. Must be 18+ to volunteer.
Featured Projects
Host a Collection for Big Sunday’s 13th Annual Stuffing Event
Big Sunday,
berenice@bigsunday.org,
(323) 549-9944
Collections are happening all around town Ð in schools, faith groups and offices! This is a great way for students to receive community service hours. You can collect items and drop off at our offices by Friday, Nov 22 at 1pm, please.
Donate Clothes and Hygiene Essentials to Project Ropa
Project Ropa,
info@projectropa.org,
(310) 400-7114
By donating, you directly support Project Ropa’s programs and enable them to continue making a difference in the lives of those in need. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps to restore hope and dignity. They gladly accept in-kind donations of hygiene products, adult size clothing, shoes and accessories. Please review list of items they’re looking for and fill out their donation form to schedule a donation drop off or pick up.
Drop off Cold Weather Items & Snacks for Skid Row
Covenant House California,
mfarrell@covca.org,
(323) 461-3131
Covenant House California (CHC) is a non-profit youth shelter that provides sanctuary and support for youth experiencing homelessness, ages 18-24. We believe that no young person deserves to be homeless; that every young person in California deserves shelter, food, clothing, education and most importantly, to be loved.We are in need of Donations needed for Skid Row including warm socks, beanies, gloves, and a blanket and granola bars. Drop off items to Covenant House anytime up to December 8.
Assist with Kitchen Duties and Prepping Meals – Monday Dinner Shift
LA Family Housing,
Volunteer@LAFH.org,
Volunteering in the kitchen can be a great way to give back to your community. Whether you’re helping to prepare meals for those in need, or assisting with kitchen duties such as food serving, bussing, or greeting, your time and effort can make a significant impact on those transitioning away from homelessness. Please keep in mind that you will be asked to also tend to the dining area where you will interact with the participants that LAFH serves. Provide quality service by serving nourishing meals for those who may not otherwise have access to them. You can also help to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can gather and connect over a warm meal. Dress code: Pants, closed-toed shoes, and clean shirt. All volunteers will be wearing a hairnet and gloves. Volunteers need to be 18 plus.
Join Hollywood Wednesday Farmers Market Glean with Food Forward
Food Forward,
volunteer@foodforward.org,
(818) 764-1022
Recover produce, fight hunger, and build community at your local farmers market! We “glean”—meaning we collect fresh, surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste–and donate 100% to local hunger relief organizations. Join the Volunteer Glean Team to help collect fruit and vegetable donations from vendors at the farmers market, and then box, sort, and weigh the donations. Volunteers should be comfortable carrying boxes of produce that may weigh up to 40 pounds, but can register to volunteer with someone who can help them lift if 40 pounds is too heavy. Volunteers don’t need to worry about bringing equipment or transporting the food. This opportunity is open to volunteers 12 years old and older, though children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check the Volunteer FAQ page on their website to learn more about what to expect at volunteer events.
Get Your Hands Dirty at Garden School Foundation’s Community Garden Day
Garden School Foundation,
join-us@gardenschoolfoundation.org,
(802) 779-2889
Garden School Foundation provides in-depth garden-based education to youth at Title I schools in Los Angeles, strengthening connections between food justice, environmental stewardship, and community health. By using the full transformative potential of school gardens as teaching sites, we nurture a healthy and mindful generation of children who care for their bodies, their communities, and the earth. We currently serve ten Title I elementary schools, reaching over 3,200 students and their families each year. As a GSF volunteer, you’ll play a indispensable role in maintaining our historic school garden at an elementary school in West Adams. Your work will help us maintain a space that is both educational and beautiful, and will positively impact both the environment and student growth. Join us to learn new skills, connect with nature, and enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding day with our local community. Together you’ll work alongside GSF staff and school families to weed the garden, refresh mulch pathways, harvest veggies from our production farm, build new raised beds, and more! After a morning of hard work and good vibes, we’ll share a light lunch together (provided by our partners at Sprouts) under the fig trees. Volunteers should wear close-toe shoes and loose, comfy clothes that are school-appropriate. Complimentary t-shirts will also be provided. We encourage volunteers to bring their own water bottles and sun protection.