What It’s Like to Volunteer at the Food Bank

What It’s Like to Volunteer at the Food Bank

Thousands of individuals choose to volunteer at the Food Bank every year. Find out why. 

Volunteering at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is considered one of the top volunteering opportunities in LA County. With just three hours of your time, you’re helping feed hundreds of thousands of individuals who turn to the Food Bank each month for food assistance. 

When someone volunteers at the Food Bank, they’re helping glean and sort through food and products donated to the Food Bank by growers, wholesalers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers; about 10% of food distributed is purchased by the Food Bank. 

The Food Bank has two warehouses where it hosts volunteers – its new City of Industry Distribution Center, and its historic South Los Angeles Distribution Center. Volunteers can also choose to help in distributions throughout the County or volunteer at one of our hundreds of partner agencies. 

The City of Industry Experience

In late June 2024, the Food Bank inaugurated its new City of Industry Distribution Center, a 256,000-square-foot warehouse that will allow the organization to maximize its reach, and serve LA County more efficiently. 

Thanks to the generosity of the community, the Food Bank raised sufficient funds to purchase and renovate the facility. With the renovations, two new production rooms for volunteers to pack shelf-stable items were added: the S. Mark Taper Foundation Food Rescue Center, where volunteers will glean fresh produce, and the Goodman Family Foundation Volunteer Center, where volunteers get a first glimpse of the Food Bank’s work.

Learn more about the Building Hope Campaign

Why I Chose to Volunteer at the Food Bank

Kevin Daley retired about seven years ago. Coming from a fast-paced work environment, he wanted to find the perfect activity to keep himself busy. After giving his hobbies a try, he felt that there was still something missing. So, he decided to look into organizations that were doing good in the community, and that’s when he found the LA Regional Food Bank.

Daley came to the Food Bank to volunteer, and since then, has returned on an almost weekly basis.

“[The Food Bank] has a good cause, and that’s what I was really looking to support,” Daley said.

Volunteering at the Food Bank is a rewarding experience. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Food Bank, please visit our Volunteer homepage.

Get Involved

Consider volunteering at the Food Bank and help your neighbors in need. Together, #WeFeedLA.

More Stories from the LA Regional Food Bank

From Receiving Help to Giving Back: Bryan’s Journey at the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry

Bryan first visited the North Hollywood food pantry during a difficult time, and now he volunteers there. Read his story and learn how you can get involved.

Why Does Food Insecurity Persist in Los Angeles County?

Why do so many individuals struggle to put food on the table? Learn what food insecurity is, what drives it, and how the Food Bank can help.

Finding Support and Dignity at North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry

On a Friday morning, Anna arrived at North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry for the first time. Learn about her experience at the Food Bank partner agency.

One Birthday, 4,000 Meals: How Keturah Reed Turned Her 42nd Into a Fundraiser for the Food Bank

Keturah Reed turned her 42nd birthday into 4,000 meals for neighbors in need. Learn how to start your own Team WeFeedLA fundraiser.

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