Volunteer – Island Harvest

Your time and talent are important resources in the fight against hunger.

We're glad you're interested in volunteering with us! Island Harvest is the largest hunger relief organization on Long Island. We rely on over 40,000 hours of annual service that volunteers provide to help us in our mission to end hunger and reduce food waste. Your time and hard work make what we do possible, and you'll be helping many families in need. Come by yourself, with your family, or with a group, and help us tackle hunger on Long Island. Whether you're organizing food collections or helping in our offices, we have opportunities for you to have fun, increase team building and make a difference in your community!

Looking for a rewarding team building experience? Island Harvest has projects for small and large groups whether you are affiliated with a community organization, school, or corporation. Please contact our Volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator, Shannon Karafian, at volunteersupport@islandharvest.org or call us at 631-873-4775.

Volunteer Categories

Warehouse Volunteers Volunteers are essential to the operations of our warehouse. Help prepare food boxes, sort through product, and distribute food to our network of member agencies.

Warehouse Volunteers

Food Collection Events Volunteer at a store front food drive! Hand out flyers and encourage shoppers to pick up an extra item while they shop to donate to Island Harvest Food Bank.

Food Collection Events

Community Food Distributions We have food distributions across Long Island at senior living communities, schools, and community centers. Assist us with loading cars and handing out food to clients.

Community Food Distribution

Food Rescue Would you like to save food that would otherwise be thrown away? Become a volunteer driver for our Food Rescue program! Pick up food from local restaurants and stores and deliver it to one of our member agencies.

Food Rescue

Join us on our two-acre organic farm in Brentwood. In the Spring, Summer, and Fall, help us plant, weed, and harvest fresh produce to distribute out in the community.

Healthy Harvest Farm

Our facilities are located in Melville, Uniondale, and Calverton, and our office volunteer opportunities take place in Melville, NY

Office Support

FAQ’s: Volunteering

Where are you located?

Our facilities are located in Melville, Uniondale, and Calverton, and our volunteer opportunities take place across Long Island! The location for each event is listed on our volunteer website.

When can I volunteer?

We have volunteer opportunities Monday-Friday in the mornings and afternoons, with the occasional weekend opportunity.

Do you offer evening or weekend volunteer opportunities?

We will have some weekend volunteer opportunities available throughout the year. They will be posted on our volunteer website.

What precautions are you taking to keep volunteers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?

As of February 2022, Island Harvest volunteers that are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear a mask at Island Harvest facilities. Volunteer opportunities take place at a variety of locations, including senior living communities, libraries, etc., and volunteers must abide by the rules in place at each of these facilities. If no specific protocol is in place, volunteers at outdoor events are not required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.

Volunteers that are not fully vaccinated or would prefer not to present their vaccination proof will still need to continue a mask at all indoor volunteer opportunities. Anyone who is more comfortable wearing a mask may continue to do so. Please cancel your shift if you are experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

What is the minimum age for volunteering?

The minimum age for volunteering is 12 years old, and we ask that anyone under 16 years old is accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Do I need to attend an orientation?

There is no mandatory orientation. Prior to beginning each volunteer assignment, an Island Harvest staff member on site will go over roles and responsibilities.

What do I need to wear when I volunteer?

Everyone must wear closed-toe shoes when volunteering with us.

Can I complete community service at Island Harvest Food Bank?

Yes, we do have opportunities to complete community service hours for school, church, work, scouts, or court. If you need to complete court-mandated community service, please read over our requirements: Click Here

What do I do if I need to cancel my registration?

You can cancel your registration until 2 days prior to your event. If you need to cancel within 2 days of your event, you must email volunteersupport@islandharvest.org.

Will my volunteer event be cancelled due to inclement weather?

You should go to your scheduled event as planned unless you are notified of a cancellation by an Island Harvest staff member.

I have additional questions that are not listed here. Who can I contact?

You may contact Shannon Karafian, our Volunteer and Community Engagement Supervisor, if you have additional questions.
• 631-873-4775 x 208
• Shannon@islandharvest.org

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