Returning Volunteers Sign In Families, Friends & Individuals - Get Started Community School Groups Get Started Corporate Groups Get Started Community Service
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
Community Food Distribution
Healthy Harvest Farm
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 September 27th, 2021, Island Harvest will be requiring all volunteers, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a face covering while at any Island Harvest facility or outdoor event.
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). If you test positive for COVID-19 and have volunteered with us within 48 hours, you must notify an Island Harvest staff member immediately at 631-873-4775.
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: (insert link)
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 Relations Coordinator, if you have additional questions.
• 631-873-4775 x 208
• Shannon@islandharvest.org