FOOD: Food Pantry Operations Volunteer

Overview

Directly contribute to fighting hunger and supporting vulnerable communities in San Diego by volunteering at Partnership for a Better San Diego's food pantry in Mission Valley. Due to budget constraints, the organization is unable to hire additional food pantry employees. Volunteers help fill that gap so community members can get the food assistance they need.

• Assist with transporting food from donors to the pantry
• Help load/unload the food pantry truck
• Help organize and sort food donations to ensure a smooth distribution process
• Distribute items to recipients on distribution days; monitor inventory levels and replenish as needed
• Engage with pantry recipients with kindness, empathy and a non-judgmental manner
• Support with the set up and break down of food distributions

On-site training provided at the beginning of the shift

• Attire: Closed-toe, non-slip shoes, clothes that can get dirty
• Physical Requirements: Lift, push and pull up to 40 lbs, stand for hours at a time. This opportunity is not able to accommodate individuals with certain physical limitations

• Accessibility: The space where this project takes place is not wheelchair accessible
• Weather: Food distributions occur rain or shine. If a volunteer does not feel comfortable working in this environment, please notify their pantry coordinator as soon as possible

Volunteers may not take photos of clients but may have photos taken of them

The mission of Partnership for a Better San Diego is to combat food insecurity and promote economic stability in San Diego and Imperial Counties by empowering underserved populations. They strengthen the local hospitality sector and advance the labor movement through workforce development programs that create access to quality union jobs.

Population Served: Families, Homeless, Immigrants, Refugees or Ethnic Groups, LGBT, Low-income communities, Military/Veterans, Offenders/Ex-offenders, People with Disabilities, People with Health-based Concerns

Activity Type: Collecting, Sorting & Packaging, Food Preparation & Meal Services

Age Minimum: 18+

Upcoming dates vary. Full opportunity address and directions will be sent by e-mail after you sign up. All volunteers must be registered in advance to attend.

• Monday, October 13, 2025 From 7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Monday, October 13, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, October 14, 2025 From 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, October 14, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, October 14, 2025 From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, October 15, 2025 From 7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Wednesday, October 15, 2025 From 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Thursday, October 16, 2025 From 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Monday, October 20, 2025 From 7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Monday, October 20, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, October 21, 2025 From 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, October 21, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, October 21, 2025 From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, October 22, 2025 From 7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Wednesday, October 22, 2025 From 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Thursday, October 23, 2025 From 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Monday, October 27, 2025 From 7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Monday, October 27, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, October 28, 2025 From 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, October 28, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, October 28, 2025 From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, October 29, 2025 From 7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Wednesday, October 29, 2025 From 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Thursday, October 30, 2025 From 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Monday, November 3, 2025 From 7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Monday, November 3, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, November 4, 2025 From 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, November 4, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, November 4, 2025 From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, November 5, 2025 From 7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Wednesday, November 5, 2025 From 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Thursday, November 6, 2025 From 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Monday, November 10, 2025 From 7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Monday, November 10, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, November 11, 2025 From 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, November 11, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, November 11, 2025 From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, November 12, 2025 From 7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Wednesday, November 12, 2025 From 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Thursday, November 13, 2025 From 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Monday, November 17, 2025 From 7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Monday, November 17, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, November 18, 2025 From 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, November 18, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, November 18, 2025 From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, November 19, 2025 From 7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Wednesday, November 19, 2025 From 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Thursday, November 20, 2025 From 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Note: Your donation means more volunteers making an impact on San Diego nonprofits, schools, and parks.