Volunteer Orientations

We strongly encourage new volunteers to attend an orientation! They are held on the first Wednesday of each month, from 4:30–5:30 PM at Lacey’s Food Pantry: 7027 Martin Way E.

What Do Volunteers Do at the Food Bank?

Volunteers do everything from food sorting and delivery, to office support, to facility and equipment maintenance. For more details, check out What Do Volunteers Do at TCFB?

Getting Started

Do you still have questions? Email our volunteer coordinators:

When Can I Volunteer?

Volunteers are scheduled Monday through Friday for daytime shifts and at other times to support special programs and events. Currently, regular volunteer shifts for individuals are:

Olympia’s Food Pantry, Downtown: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with two volunteer shifts each day, 7:45 AM–Noon and 11:45 AM–4:00 PM

Lacey‘s Food Pantry : Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 AM–12:30 PM and Noon–3:00 PM, and the 2nd Wednesday of each month 3:00–7:00 PM.

Tumwater Warehouse: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with two volunteer shifts each day,  9:00 AM–Noon and 1:00–4:00 PM. Note: Mondays and Fridays are for groups by appointment and special requests only.

Families & Groups Volunteering at the Food Bank

Families and groups of all sizes have numerous opportunities to support our programs during the week and on the weekends. Our biggest events occur in November, December, January and May with additional projects throughout the year. Groups are encouraged to contact the Food Bank to get more information. Group events may be altered or cancelled due to COVID-19.

Who can Volunteer?

The Food Bank has various tasks for individuals of all ages. Students and youth age 12 and older may volunteer without parental or custodial supervision (age 14 during COVID-19). Youth under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult and opportunities may be limited during COVID-19. Students needing class/school community service hours may volunteer during the school year, and during Spring, Summer and Winter Breaks. Follow the “Getting Started” information above.

Volunteers Are our Foundation

Volunteers established the food bank in 1971 and they have been the foundation of our success ever since. There is an ever present awareness to serve those in need, in the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor. In 2019, over 15,000 volunteers supported our programs.