If you’ve ever packed a food box, helped distribute fresh produce, or rolled up your sleeves at one of our food drives, you know the power of giving back firsthand. April is National Volunteer Month, and here at the Food Bank, we’re taking a moment to recognize the incredible people who donate their time for families and neighbors across northern Nevada and the Sierras.
Every day, volunteers show up with compassion and dedication, making sure families have access to nutritious food. Whether it’s sorting donations in our warehouse, handing out produce at our Mobile Harvest distributions, or helping with events throughout the year, volunteers are at the core of everything we do at the Food Bank.
To put it simply: we couldn’t do this without our volunteers and all the time they dedicate to the Food Bank throughout the year. In fact, last year, 4,298 incredible volunteers donated a total of 24,522 hours to the Food Bank! Thanks to your generosity, thousands of families in our communities received the support and nutrition they needed.
Why Volunteers Are Essential to Fighting Hunger
A lot of people think food banks run mostly on food and monetary donations—and while that’s true, it’s volunteers who help turn those resources into real meals for families and neighbors. Every hour spent sorting, packing, or distributing food makes a huge impact.
How our volunteers make a difference
Sorting & Packing Food — Before food can make it to families, it needs to be checked, sorted, and packed. Volunteers help inspect donated goods, organize items, and prepare food boxes for distribution.
Handing Out Food — Through programs like Mobile Harvest, volunteers bring fresh produce, dairy, and pantry staples directly to families. They also help pack and deliver meals to seniors who may not be able to leave their homes.
Supporting Events Throughout the Year — From holiday food drives to fundraising events, volunteers help behind the scenes collecting donations, setting up, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Raising Awareness — Hunger is more common than many people realize. Volunteers help spread the word, share their experiences, and encourage others to get involved. Every conversation matters!
How You Can Get Involved
There are so many ways to volunteer at the Food Bank, no matter your schedule or skill set.
Volunteer at the Warehouse — If you like hands-on work, this is for you! You’ll help sort, inspect, and pack food so it’s ready for families who need it. If this sounds right up your alley, get all the info on upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Help at a Food Distribution — Join us at a Mobile Harvest site or one of our partner distributions. It’s a great way to connect with the community and see the impact firsthand!
Advocate for Families in Our Community — Not everyone can volunteer in person, and that’s okay! You can still make a difference by making a donation and raising awareness; sharing social media posts, talking to family and friends, or encouraging local businesses to get involved.
A Huge Thank You to Our Volunteers
If you’ve ever volunteered with us—thank you! Whether you’ve packed a single box or donated hundreds of hours, your time and dedication means the world to the families we serve. You are the reason we can do what we do.
