Volunteer With Us
Now, more than ever, people are facing food insecurity and counting on Hawaiʻi Foodbank. Volunteers are one of the most integral pillars of our operational framework and we need the help of groups and individuals to provide safe access to food to families affected by the pandemic and to continue to support those who were already struggling with hunger. If you’d like to volunteer with us, getting started is as easy as… one, two, three!
Step One: Pick a Volunteer Opportunity
Daily Food Inspection – Dry Salvage
Location: 2611 Kilihau St., Honolulu, HI 96819
Shift Times: 9 a.m. to Noon, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Available Days: Monday through Friday
Description: Help inspect and sort dry food donations by checking for expired labels that are passed their shelf life, examining the integrity of food products, and boxing items for warehouse storage. This prepares food for distribution, so we can get it more quickly to those in need.
Requirements: Volunteers will be required to stand, lift and bend throughout the duration of the entire shift. The minimum age to volunteer is eight years old. Those 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. We can accommodate up to 10 volunteers per shift in order to account for social distancing and other public health guidelines. We are also requiring all volunteers to pass a temperature check and wear proper personal protective equipment when in the warehouse.
Daily Food Inspection – Produce
Location: 2611 Kilihau St., Honolulu, HI 96819
Shift Times: 9 a.m. to Noon, Noon to 2:30 p.m.
Available Days: Monday through Friday
Description: Help inspect and sort produce donations by checking the integrity of food products and preparing items for warehouse storage. This prepares food for distribution, so we can get it more quickly to those in need.
Requirements: Volunteers will be required to stand, lift and bend throughout the duration of the entire shift. The minimum age to volunteer is eight years old. Those 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. We can accommodate up to 10 volunteers per shift in order to account for social distancing and other public health guidelines. We are also requiring all volunteers to pass a temperature check and wear proper personal protective equipment when in the warehouse.
ʻOhana Distribution Asstc - Lighthouse Outreach (PTR AGCY)
Location: Waipio Soccer Complex, 93-061 Waipio Point Access Rd, Waipahu, HI 96797
Shift Times: 8:30 a.m. to Noon
Available Days: Every Friday
Description: Help pack food and load cars for a drive through distribution that serves roughly 550 households each week.
Requirements: Volunteers will be required to stand, bend and lift throughout the duration of the shift. The minimum age to volunteer at this distribution is 16 years old. We can use 10 – 15 volunteers to help with this distribution..
ʻOhana Distribution Asstc. - King's Chapel (Partner agency)
Location: 549 Halemaumau St, Honolulu, HI 96821
Shift Times: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Available Days: The second and fourth Thursday of each month
Description: Help pack food and load cars and assist with traffic control at a drive through distribution.
Requirements: Volunteers will be required to stand, bend and lift throughout the duration of the shift. Number of volunteers needed is 10 – 15. The minimum age to volunteer at this distribution is 13 years old. Those 13 – 15 years old must volunteer with an adult.
ʻOhana Distribution Asstc - Angel Network Charities (PTR AGCY)
Location: 5339 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96821
Shift Times: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Available Days: The first and third Thursday of each month
Description: Help pack food and load cars at a drive through distribution.
Requirements: Volunteers will be required to stand, bend, and lift the entire shift. Proof of vaccination must be presented upon check in and all volunteers will have a background check run. Volunteers must be 14 years or older to participate. Volunteers 16 and older can volunteer independently, those 14 – 15 years old must volunteer with an adult.
Step Two: Fill out the Volunteer Application Form
Step Three: We'll reach out to you!
Volunteer orientation is required for all new warehouse volunteers. If you would like to help out with distributions or are looking to volunteer with a group, we will send you more information about getting scheduled. Once you’ve submitted your volunteer application form, you’ll receive an email from volunteer@hawaiifoodbank.org with further instruction about volunteering.
Volunteer Information Regarding COVID-19
There is no greater priority than the safety and well-being of our volunteers, donors, staff and the community against the spread of COVID-19 at our facilities. Maintaining clean facilities and following best practices for food safety and distribution are always an integral element of our organization’s culture. Due to COVID-19, we have heightened precautions for cleaning, sanitization procedures and overall best practices. We are diligently and regularly evaluating our operations, and we will continue to take proactive steps to prioritize the health and safety of our staff and volunteers while also protecting against the spread of COVID-19 at our facilities. Our COVID-19 protocols will evolve in response to the current status of COVID-19 in our communities and with the guidance of the CDC, the State of Hawaiʻi and City and County of Honolulu and County of Kauaʻi
To prevent against the spread of COVID-19, anyone who fits into any of these categories is not permitted in our facilities at this time.
- You have been exposed to COVID-19 or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and you have not yet been cleared as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities.
- Within the past 5 days you or members of your household have experienced any combination of the following symptoms: cough, fever, muscle pain, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, headache, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
We also encourage those with underlying health conditions or risk factors to please stay at home or find other ways to contribute during this crisis.
Questions About Volunteering?
We’re here to help with your volunteer experience, and we want to find the right opportunity for you! For specific inquiries or to submit your volunteer application, please contact us by any of the following methods:
Call or Fax
- Phone: 808-954-7866
- Fax: 808-836-2272
- Hawaiʻi Foodbank, Attn: Volunteer Program
- 2611 Kilihau St., Honolulu, HI 96819
