Volunteer with Us!
Join our incredible team of volunteers and make a lasting impact in the lives of those facing food insecurity in Silicon Valley. Every day, more than 25% of our neighbors struggle to put food on the table. With your help, we can change that!
By volunteering with Loaves & Fishes, you'll directly contribute to providing nutritious meals and support to individuals and families who need it most. Whether you're sorting food, making sandwiches, or serving meals, every task plays a crucial role in keeping our mission strong. Your efforts help us keep labor costs down, allowing us to use more of our resources to feed those in need through our five food programs: Community Meals, A La Carte food recovery, Meals on Wheels, Medically Tailored Meals, and the Jerry Larson FoodBasket.
Volunteering with us is a rewarding experience, and we promise you'll leave feeling inspired and connected to your community. Together, we can ensure that no one in our area has to face hunger alone.
Ready to get started? Sign up today and be part of the solution!
Volunteer Opportunities
IMPORTANT: All volunteers must read the Volunteer Consent, Waiver/Release, and Photographic Release included here before signing up. Please see our Volunteer Agreement page for more information.
Corporate Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for a meaningful way for your team to give back? Loaves & Fishes offers a variety of corporate volunteer opportunities that make a direct impact on our community—and your team will feel great doing it!
Brown Bag Lunch & Hygiene Kit Assemblies
Groups of up to 25 people are invited to join us at one of our Loaves & Fishes locations for hands-on volunteer opportunities. Help prepare Brown Bag Lunches—a staple for those struggling with hunger in our area. These simple, nutritious lunches are often a lifeline, helping people make it through the day until their next meal. Your team will experience firsthand the power of providing a crucial resource for those in need.
Additionally, you can assemble Hygiene Kits for our unhoused neighbors. These kits help people meet their basic needs in a way that restores dignity and provides a sense of security, offering essential items like soap, toothbrushes, and sanitary products.
Please note that a designated donation to help cover the cost of supplies is required when booking either of these activities.
Grocery Bag Decoration
Can’t make it to one of our locations? No problem! Your team can get creative and decorate grocery bags at your workplace, or wherever you choose to gather. These decorated bags are used to pack meals for clients and serve as a heartfelt reminder that the community cares. It's a fun, easy way to show support and brighten someone's day.
Volunteering with Loaves & Fishes is a win-win—your team gets the chance to give back, while helping us keep our mission going strong. Ready to make a difference? Contact us today to schedule your corporate volunteer experience!
Volunteer FAQs
What will I do as a volunteer?
As a volunteer at Loaves & Fishes, your tasks can vary depending on the opportunity, but you'll be helping in meaningful ways! You may be involved in prepping and serving meals, cleaning, sorting donated food, and preparing groceries for our clients. There's always something important to do, and your efforts make a big difference!
How long are the shifts?
Shift lengths typically range from 2 to 3 hours, depending on the specific volunteer opportunity. When you sign up, you'll be able to see the duration of your shift.
What should I bring?
All you need to bring is your enthusiasm and your willingness to help! Loaves & Fishes will provide you with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, hairnets, and masks to ensure a safe environment for all volunteers.
Who can volunteer?
Volunteers must be at least 10 years old. Volunteers between 10 and 13 years old must be accompanied by an adult. We welcome individuals of all ages and backgrounds and encourage families and groups to volunteer together!
What should I wear?
We recommend wearing work clothes, such as jeans or long pants and closed-toe shoes (like sneakers). If you have long hair, please keep it tied up. For safety reasons, it’s best to leave any jewelry that could get in the way at home.
Can I get sign-off on community service hours?
Yes! You can earn community service hours as a volunteer with Loaves & Fishes. Be sure to bring your community service paperwork, and we’ll be happy to fill it out after you’ve completed your hours.
What if I can't make my shift?
If you're unable to make it to your shift, please cancel online as soon as possible. This will give someone else the opportunity to fill your spot and help out in your place. Your consideration helps us keep things running smoothly.
“I’ve always been so impressed how they truly care about the quality and nutritional value of what we serve our guests. It’s just really satisfying to watch guests leave the monthly food distribution with enough groceries that might mean they can make their rent or pay for medicine.”
“I’ve been volunteering at Loaves & Fishes since I retired ten years ago. I always come away with a satisfied feeling, and though I know feeding the hungry is a task that seems endless, I always receive more than I give. It’s a pleasure to be involved in such an awesome organization.”
Did you know Mayor Sam Liccardo volunteered with Loaves & Fishes as a teenager?
