Individual Volunteer Opportunities

COVID-19 update: Beginning Monday, June 28th, Second Harvest will no longer require social distancing among volunteers at any of our locations. Face coverings are encouraged but no longer required for volunteers at outdoor distribution sites. However, face coverings will continue to be required to sort food in our warehouses and at indoor distribution sites, regardless of a volunteer’s personal vaccination status.

Partner sites may have site rules that are stricter than those of Second Harvest, and those will take precedence.

We will keep our volunteers informed about any changes/updates to this policy. Thank you for your ongoing support to ensure that anyone who needs a healthy meal can get one.

Volunteering in Santa Clara County? Click here to learn more about the vaccine certification requirement.

We need people like you

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for Second Harvest. We couldn’t do what we do without the generous support of people like you. Below are the ways you can help.

Court-ordered community service hours: Before registering and starting your volunteer service, you must apply for pre-approval.

Sort food in our warehouse

Help us sort and box the fresh produce and healthy groceries we provide to neighbors in our community. Shifts are available at our Cypress Center in San Jose.

Sort food

Distribute food to the community

Help your neighbors get the nutritious food they need by volunteering at one of our community food distributions. They are located in nearly every neighborhood in Silicon Valley.

Distribute food

Deliver food to homes

A recurring volunteer activity, load your vehicle and deliver healthy groceries to homes of seniors and other homebound clients in Santa Clara or San Mateo County.

Home-deliver groceries

Volunteer on a regular basis

We rely on committed, dedicated volunteers who can support our efforts on an ongoing basis, both at distribution sites and in our warehouse. Make a difference by becoming a recurring volunteer.

Learn more and apply

Host a virtual food drive

Virtual food drives – a.k.a. fundraisers – are a great way to support the cause. Create a customized fundraising page, spread the word and raise critical support.

Organize a drive

Share resources and nutrition education

Spread the word about our services and other food resources. Help clients learn about how nutritious food can improve their lives and ways to incorporate the food they receive from us in everyday recipes.

Inform and educate

Where are volunteers most needed?

These sites have the most urgent need for volunteers.
We need you at these sites!

Join us for the Turkey Trot

Start Thanksgiving Day by volunteering for the Turkey Trot. This festive event supports Second Harvest and other local charities. Registration will open in the fall of 2021.

Registration opens in the fall

Are you a returning volunteer?

Go to the calendar

Need to cancel or change your registration?

Go to your personal page

Have questions about volunteering?

Read our FAQs