- Can children volunteer?
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Yes! We welcome and encourage children to volunteer at OFB. The minimum age varies depending on the volunteer project.
Age requirements:
Volunteer Action Center - ages 6 and up. Youth 16 and under need to volunteer with an adult.
Perishables Repack Room, Fresh Alliance, Food Recovery Center - ages 16 and up.
Learning Garden - all ages. Youth 16 and under need to volunteer with an adult.
Events - ages 16 and up. If you're 16, you'll need to volunteer with an adult.
For all opportunities - youth under 18 years old need to bring a signed youth release form to their first volunteer shift.
- Can I bring a school class or scout troop?
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Yes. We love to host student and youth groups for service learning projects. The two-hour volunteer shift will include hands-on food repacking, education about hunger and information about ways that young people can get involved. We host youth groups of up to 35 members plus chaperones.
- Can I complete court mandated community service at OFB?
- We may be able to accommodate you based on shift availability and a few other factors. Visit our court mandated volunteer page to learn more.
- Can you accommodate volunteers with disabilities?
- Yes we can. However, we encourage you to contact the volunteer department to discuss any accommodations you might need so we can make sure to set up a successful experience. Send an e-mail to volunteer@oregonfoodbank.org.
- Do I need to make an ongoing commitment?
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It depends on which project you'd like to sign up for. There is no need to make an ongoing commitment to volunteer in our Volunteer Action Center, Learning Gardens (Dig In! program) or events.
If you are able to make a regular commitment, we need your help in the Food Recovery Center, Fresh Alliance, Nutrition Education, Learning Gardens, Speakers' Bureau or office.
- Do I need to sign up in advance?
- Yes, all volunteers need to sign up in advance. We plan projects and assign staff based on the number of volunteers we've scheduled. Please visit our individuals and families page or groups page to learn about opportunities and to sign up. If you come to a shift and we don't have you on our roster, you may be turned away.
- How do I sign up?
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You can sign up to volunteer online by clicking the appropriate link below.
Individuals and families:
Groups of 10 or more:
- What if I have more questions?
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Contact us! We can answer any and all questions about volunteer opportunities and scheduling.
OFB Volunteer Department
volunteer@oregonfoodbank.org
503-972-2993
- What if I need to cancel?
- We understand that all kinds of things can come up in life and that you may need to cancel. We just ask that you let us know as soon as you know by sending an e-mail to volunteer@oregonfoodbank.org or calling 503-972-2993.
- What should I wear?
- For your safety, we require closed-toe and closed-heel shoes for all volunteer projects at OFB. We also strongly recommend clothes that are comfortable and that you don't mind getting a bit dirty. Pants are preferable to shorts. It can be cold in our warehouse, so it's a good idea to dress in layers.
If you are volunteering for Fresh Alliance or the Perishables Repack Room you should plan to dress warmly. We keep the room at 45 degrees for food safety.
- Where are you located?
- Our northeast Portland facility is located at 7900 N.E. 33rd Drive. Get driving directions.
Our Beaverton facility is located at 1870 N.W. 173rd Ave. Get driving directions.
