Community Nutrition Outreach

Fostering community connections for better health and well-being

Our Community Nutrition team is committed to ensuring our neighbors have equitable access to nutrition, culinary and food safety education rooted in improving health and well-being. We’re looking for friendly volunteers to join us as we strengthen community engagement and inspire joy in cooking with our food bank offerings.

Check out our two nutrition volunteer roles below!

Become a Health Ambassador

Volunteer role: Engage with clients around food, health, and wellness to build a stronger, more resilient community. You’ll provide nutrition and culinary education, share food safety tips and lead in food demonstrations and class presentations – all focused on fostering connection and joy.

Requirements: 1) Read through our requirements, and 2) once your application has been accepted, take the California Food Handler training (provided with the role)

Time commitment: 3-month commitment

Apply now

Become a Nutrition Champion

Volunteer role: Help create a warm, welcoming space at our farmer’s market-style food distributions where neighbors feel supported and inspired to try new foods. Share recipe ideas, talk about cooking tips and offer basic food safety guidance. This role is ideal for individuals seeking a volunteer experience without any long-term commitment. Please note: shifts can be active and fast-paced.

Requirements: None – all we ask is that you watch our brief orientation video before your first shift

Time commitment: One-time or recurring (up to you!)

Sign up now

FAQs

Health Ambassador

  • Requires attending our 60-minute virtual training and a California Food Handler certification
  • Minimum 3-month commitment (does not have to be consecutive)
  • Opportunity to become a Health Ambassador Lead volunteer
  • Conducts food demonstrations and class presentations
  • Remote projects are available as needed
  • Must be able to travel throughout Santa Clara County and/or San Mateo County
  • Volunteer shift locations: farmer’s market-style food distributions, community-based organizations, community fairs and events

Nutrition Champion

  • No requirements or training – just watch our brief Nutrition Champion volunteer orientation video
  • Same-day sign-ups available
  • No food demonstrations or class presentations required
  • No long-term commitment
  • Volunteer shift locations: farmer’s market-style food distributions only

    Volunteer shifts are typically Monday through Friday during business hours and are about 2 hours in length. Occasionally, weekend and evening opportunities do come up.

      No, we provide program trainings for all new volunteers. We have individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping to enrich the conversations with our community members.

        After you complete the Health Ambassador application form, a team member will contact you within the week to share upcoming dates for our virtual training.

        Additional in-field training will be provided during your first few volunteer shifts or as needed, with support from our Nutrition Manager or Health Ambassador Lead.

              Yes, our program is a good fit for community nutrition internships and those looking to gain experience working in the community for service hours.

                    Visit our Second Harvest of Silicon Valley Health Ambassadors Facebook page to learn about past outreach events and to view more photos of volunteers in action.