Volunteer at the Foodbank
Ending Hunger Starts with You!
Take an active role in ensuring children, seniors, and families in our community have access to nutritious foods by volunteering your time and talents to the Foodbank. Our mission depends on the efforts of individuals who are willing to commit their time and effort towards supporting our friends and neighbors across our 21-county service area.
How Can You Help?
Volunteer opportunities include:
Food Sorting
Sort, inspect, and organize donated items for distribution. Volunteers must have the ability to lift 25 lbs.
Clerical
Assist with office/clerical support such as sorting mail and entering data. Volunteer hours available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and as needed.
Retail Store Donation Drivers
Our Retail Program collects food and products from retail partners throughout our communities. Volunteers in this role will drive one of our trucks to participating retail stores to pick up donated product for the Foodbank. Volunteers must be able to lift 40 lbs and have a valid driver's license. Special driving classification, such as a CDL, is not generally required.
Volunteer Hours:
Monday - Thursday| 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Retail Store Donation Drivers:
Monday & Wednesday | 7:30 am to 12:00 pm
Become a Regular Volunteer with the Foodbank
Sign up to volunteer
View current volunteer opportunities
For more information about volunteering, contact Meghan Allen, Program Coordinator, by email at mallen@centralilfoodbank.org or by phone at 217.522.4022, Ext. 218
Frequently Asked Questions for Volunteers
Do I need to schedule in advance to volunteer?
Yes, all projects must be scheduled in advance.
Can groups volunteer together?
We welcome groups from various organizations to volunteer at the Foodbank. Our volunteer projects can accommodate groups of various sizes; however, our maximum group size is currently 10 volunteers. If your group is interested in volunteering, please contact Meghan at 217.522.4022, Ext. 218 before completing the group application form.
Group Volunteer Application
Are children allowed to volunteer at the Foodbank?
Volunteering is a great way to teach children about service. Children ages 13-15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult while volunteering. Children less than 13 years of age are not permitted to volunteer, be unsupervised in the building or under indirect supervision while an adult is volunteering.
What should I wear to volunteer?
The dress code is casual and comfortable. Sneakers, work shoes, or boots are required. No heels, open-toed shoes, or sandals are permitted in the warehouse. The warehouse is not temperature-controlled so layers are a good idea. Please leave purses, jewelry and other valuables at home or locked in your car. Central Illinois Foodbank is not responsible for any missing personal belongings.
Is the Foodbank able to accommodate the special needs of a handicapped or disabled person?
We occasionally have projects that volunteers with special needs can help with. Please call Meghan at 217.522.4022, Ext. 218 for more information.