Volunteer FAQs

Whether you're volunteering for the first time or returning for another shift, we've answered some of our most frequently asked questions below. If you don't see what you're looking for, please contact our Volunteer Engagement team.

Looking for available volunteer opportunities? Visit our Volunteer page to browse current shifts and register through VolunteerHub.

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Getting Started

How do I sign up to volunteer?

All volunteers must create a VolunteerHub account and reserve a volunteer spot online before arriving. This includes children, guardians and every member of a registered group. Volunteers who arrive without first creating an account and reserving a spot may not be able to participate.

Volunteer opportunities are available to register up to one month in advance. Individuals may self-register for any shift with available openings. Groups of up to 30 people may request Warehouse Food Sorting shifts.

What if all volunteer shifts are full?

If volunteer shifts are full, consider hosting a Virtual Food Drive. Funds raised help the Central Texas Food Bank respond to our community's greatest needs.

We also encourage you to check VolunteerHub frequently. When cancellations occur, those volunteer spots automatically become available for registration.

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

Volunteers must be:

• At least 8 years old to volunteer in the warehouse
• At least 12 years old to volunteer at Mobile Food Pantries
• At least 15 years old to volunteer in the kitchen or garden

Children under age 8 may not volunteer or enter volunteer workspaces for safety reasons. Childcare is not available during volunteer shifts.

Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise up to two minors. Both the adult and each minor must create individual VolunteerHub accounts and register separately.

Youth groups of up to 30 participants (maximum 20 minors and 10 chaperones) may volunteer together.

How do I register my child?

Each volunteer, including minors, must have their own VolunteerHub account.

Before creating your child's account, sign out of your own account. If your child does not have their own email address or phone number, you may use your contact information to create their account. Once created, register them for the volunteer shift just as you would your own account.

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Preparing for Your Shift

What should I wear?

For everyone's safety, volunteers must wear:

• Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes that completely cover the foot
• A shirt with sleeves that covers the torso (no crop tops, tank tops or cap sleeves)

Kitchen volunteers must also wear long pants or long skirts that fully cover the legs. Shorts are permitted in all other volunteer areas.

Can I arrive late or leave early?

Please plan to attend your entire volunteer shift. Volunteers should arrive 5–10 minutes before their scheduled start time to complete check-in and orientation.

Volunteers arriving after a shift has begun may not be able to participate. Warehouse volunteers arriving more than 30 minutes late will have missed required safety training and will be asked to attend another shift.

Can I donate food before my volunteer shift?

Yes. We accept contactless food donations during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please use the Delivery Entrance located behind our building. We recommend dropping off donations before or after your volunteer shift, as this area is not accessible once you've entered the volunteer workspace.

Where should I store my personal belongings?

Each volunteer area includes designated storage space for personal belongings during your shift.

Please remember that the Central Texas Food Bank is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Volunteers do not need to bring tools or equipment. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and wearing appropriate clothing for your assigned volunteer area.

Is the warehouse climate controlled?

Portions of our warehouse are climate controlled, while others are not. During warmer months, volunteers may spend time working in non-climate-controlled spaces, so dress comfortably in breathable clothing.

Kitchen volunteers may work in refrigerated or freezer areas and should bring a warm jacket. Garden and Mobile Food Pantry volunteers work outdoors and should dress appropriately for weather conditions and bring plenty of water.

I have food allergies. Can I still volunteer?

If you have food allergies, please notify Volunteer Engagement staff before your shift so we can discuss possible accommodations.

Because we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, individuals with severe or life-threatening food allergies should carefully consider whether volunteering is appropriate.

Is there a lactation room?

Yes. The Central Texas Food Bank offers a private lactation room for volunteers and guests. Please ask a member of the Volunteer Engagement team for access.

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Policies & Expectations

Why do you collect my personal information?

Your privacy is important to us. The Central Texas Food Bank does not sell or share your personal information.

We collect only the information required to maintain volunteer records, including volunteer agreements and media releases. Because these records are individual, each volunteer must create their own VolunteerHub account.

Can I take photos while volunteering?

Yes! We encourage volunteers to take photos during their service while being respectful of fellow volunteers and staff. If you share your photos on social media, we'd love for you to tag the Central Texas Food Bank.

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After Your Shift

How do I verify my volunteer hours?

Warehouse, Kitchen and Garden Volunteers

If you have paperwork that needs to be signed, we're happy to complete it at the end of your shift. Blank volunteer hour forms are also available onsite.

You can also download an official record of your volunteer hours through your VolunteerHub account:

1. Log into VolunteerHub.
2. Select View Hours from the menu.
3. Select View Hour History.
4. Choose your date range.
5. Select Update to generate a printable report.

Mobile Food Pantry Volunteers

Please bring your own verification form and have it signed before leaving your shift. Volunteer hours completed at Mobile Food Pantries cannot always be verified after the event.

If you are completing court-appointed community service, please review our Community Service Volunteer Guidelines before registering.