Volunteer at the food bank
One mission, many ways to help
Volunteers are the heart of hunger relief in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Each year, hundreds of volunteers help us sort, package, and distribute food throughout our 40-county service area. In 2025, our warehouse volunteers handled 3.2 million pounds of food.
Join our community of volunteers today!
Rescue food in the warehouse
The Reclamation department processes food donations and food purchased in bulk. Reclamation projects vary throughout the year. Some common projects include breaking down bulk products—like cereal or diced carrots—into family-sized portions. Other projects involve sorting food into boxes for seniors or repacking Pop-Tarts boxes. This type of volunteering occurs at our warehouse in Kentwood!
Event volunteers
We occasionally have opportunities to participate in events and find that we need extra help from volunteers to make it happen. Gleaning, rescuing food from local farms, or food shows are a few examples. For this type of volunteering, we send an email to our volunteer base and post opportunities on social media.
Share your skills
Because of our small staff, we regularly rely on volunteers for help in our office. Consider volunteering your skills to help our staff.
Projects might include:
– Handwriting cards
– Packing goodie bags
– Clerical work
Mobile Food Pantries
At our Mobile Pantry distributions, volunteers will often find themselves helping unload food from the truck, organizing food into boxes, directing traffic or putting food directly into the hands of neighbors in need.
The food bank does not facilitate volunteer opportunities at Mobile Pantries; if you’re interested in volunteering at a Mobile Pantry, contact the hosting site to get involved!
“One of my favorite parts of my job is the genuine camaraderie and love that comes from serving our community. Volunteers can always look forward to a fun environment where team building and friendships flourish, a variety of different projects, and inclusivity and equity while in the food rescue room. Whether someone helps out for one hour or 1,000, every meal rescued counts. I love meeting new volunteers and get so excited to be a part of working together to end hunger!”
– Frank Almonte, Reclamation Manager
Volunteer FAQ
What is the dress code?
- As a volunteer for Feeding America West Michigan, you are now a representative of our organization. As such, we ask that you adhere to the dress code our staff follows. The purpose of the dress code is to:
- keep everyone safe
- adhere to food safety guidelines
- accurately represent our organization’s values
- Volunteers should dress appropriately for their assignment. If you’re not sure what’s appropriate, please ask! The following should help you determine your attire.
- Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes are required for warehouse work.
- Shorts and skirts should be no shorter than the fingertips when standing in a relaxed posture.
- Pants should not be visibly bagging below the waistline.
- Shirts should cover the midriff, back and chest. Sleeveless shirts and tank tops are not permitted.
- Clothing should not have offensive or inappropriate language or graphics. If you’re questioning wearing something for this reason, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not wear that item.
- Attention should be given to cleanliness (e.g. clothes should be laundered) and safety (e.g. shoes should always be tied). Clothing should not be excessively ripped or torn.
- Volunteers who come inappropriately dressed will be asked to change before beginning their volunteer assignment.
- Updated in May 2022
What is the age policy?
- Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to volunteer unaccompanied.
- Volunteers must be at least 8 years old to volunteer in the warehouse with adult supervision.
- Youth ages 8-15 may volunteer with adult supervision with a ratio of 1 adult to every 5 youth who are 15 years old and under. Youth must be accompanied by an adult at all times when in the warehouse.
- All volunteers over the age of 16 years old must complete an Individual Volunteer Form.
- If you are 16-18 years old and volunteering without an adult you must have your own transportation available.
- There are occasional volunteer opportunities with other age requirements. If you are uncertain about your group’s eligibility please reach out to a food bank staff member prior to volunteering
- Updated in May 2022
Can I volunteer at a Mobile Food Pantry?
The food bank does not facilitate volunteer opportunities for Mobile Pantries. To help out at a Mobile Pantry, contact the hosting site to get involved! Check out the Mobile Pantry schedule to find a partner near you.
What time during the week can I volunteer?
- Our Reclamation Department is open for volunteers Monday-Friday, with two shifts from 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm.
- During Hunger Action Month, we are adding shifts on Saturday, Sept. 19. More details to come!
- Contact our volunteer team, Volunteer@FeedWM.org, to find out more on timing for other volunteer opportunities!
Can my corporate group volunteer?
Absolutely! Please fill out the group volunteer form and food bank staff will be in touch from there. Also, take a look at the Our Supporters page to learn more about your corporation getting involved.
Connect with our volunteer team at, Volunteer@FeedWM.org, for any further questions regarding volunteering at the food bank!