FOOD: Food Pantry Operations Volunteer

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, Partnership for a Better San Diego is unable to hire additional food pantry employees. Volunteers help them 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

Training Provided: 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. Unfortunately this opportunity is not able to make accommodations for individuals with physical limitations.

Accessibility: Unfortunately 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.

Photos: 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 (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender), 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

Requirements

Age Minimum (with Adult): 18+, Minimum Age: 18+, Court Ordered Volunteer - Allowed

• Monday, December 8, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, December 9, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, December 9, 2025 From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Thursday, December 11, 2025 From 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Tuesday, December 16, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, December 16, 2025 From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, December 17, 2025 From 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
• Wednesday, December 17, 2025 From 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Thursday, December 18, 2025 From 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Monday, December 22, 2025 From 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
• Monday, December 22, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, December 23, 2025 From 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, December 23, 2025 From 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, December 23, 2025 From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Monday, January 5, 2026 From 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
• Monday, January 5, 2026 From 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, January 6, 2026 From 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, January 6, 2026 From 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, January 6, 2026 From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, January 7, 2026 From 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
• Wednesday, January 7, 2026 From 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Thursday, January 8, 2026 From 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Monday, January 12, 2026 From 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
• Monday, January 12, 2026 From 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, January 13, 2026 From 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, January 13, 2026 From 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, January 13, 2026 From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, January 14, 2026 From 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
• Wednesday, January 14, 2026 From 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Thursday, January 15, 2026 From 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Monday, January 19, 2026 From 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
• Monday, January 19, 2026 From 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, January 20, 2026 From 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, January 20, 2026 From 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, January 20, 2026 From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, January 21, 2026 From 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
• Wednesday, January 21, 2026 From 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Thursday, January 22, 2026 From 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Monday, January 26, 2026 From 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
• Monday, January 26, 2026 From 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, January 27, 2026 From 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, January 27, 2026 From 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, January 27, 2026 From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, January 28, 2026 From 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
• Wednesday, January 28, 2026 From 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Thursday, January 29, 2026 From 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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