Powered By You – 100K Strong

Houston Food Bank is an engine of hope, but it does not move without people. In 2026, we are calling on our city to build a volunteer workforce 100,000 strong. Whether you are a student, corporate leader, or neighbor… you are the fuel that keeps us running.

Learn more about our goal.

Volunteers are our local heroes who show up to give back to our neighbors. 

Onsite volunteer shifts run 7 days a week at Houston Food Bank: Monday-Sunday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., and Tuesday-Friday, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

EXISTING VOLUNTEER

NEW VOLUNTEER

SHIFT CALENDAR

Closed Volunteer Shifts

June 26 all shifts
June 27 all shifts
August 4 1-4pm
August 11 all shifts

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER

Whether you prefer to fly solo or team up with friends, family, or coworkers, we welcome all. Join an existing volunteer group, create your own team, or participate in one of our special events. The most important thing is getting involved and making a difference in our community.

VOLUNTEER GROUPS

For groups fewer than 29 people: 

  1. Register or login as a volunteer.
  2. On the left menu, click on My Profile.
  3. Scroll down to Groups I am Leading section.
  4. On the right side, click on + Add Group.
  5. Name your group.
  6. Optional, select the organization.
  7. Click Create Group.
  8. Now you should see your groups on your dashboard. On the left menu, click on Dashboard. Scroll down to Groups I am Leading.
  9. To register your group for a shift, click into the “Production,” “Direct Distribution,” or “Special Events” tabs in the menu on your left. From there, you can view the different opportunities available. Click “Register now.”
  10. Scroll through the available shifts and click “Register as a group” to add your group to that shift. From there, you can register individual members or reserve a number of slots for your group to fill.

For groups more than 30 people: 

  1. Follow the steps above.
  2. Contact us by e-mail so we can finalize your registration.

INDIVIDUAL

  1. Sign up or login as a volunteer.
  2. Once logged in, on the left menu, click on Shift Calendar.
  3. Click on the date you are available.
  4. View the shift time, details and location. You can also see how many spots are open.
  5. Click Select to sign up for that shift.
  6. At the top of the screen, that shift will be added to My Selections. Click on Register to selected shift to confirm.

MORE VOLUNTEER OPTIONS

We offer community service, and welcome groups from families to social clubs and more.

Community Service

Volunteer Grants

And we have special programs for our dedicated volunteers.

Apple Core

Student Heroes

SPECIAL EVENTS

From earning a scouting patch to joining a friendly competition among your peers, these volunteer events have something for everyone.

Hunger Fighter Patch Program for Scouts

Food from the Bar

Operation: Hunger Relief

Share Your Holiday Phone Bank

AREAS TO VOLUNTEER

Houston Food Bank

Volunteer projects vary based on need and may include inspecting/sorting food, repacking dry food into family-sized bags, and more!

Keegan Kitchen

Keegan Kitchen volunteers assist with meal prep and packaging of hot meals for daily distribution to community locations where children gather after school.

Protein Pack Room

The Protein Pack Room is one of only 10 in food banks across the United States. This unique and highly essential volunteer opportunity greatly impacts our ability to distribute nutritious foods to our partners, ensuring our neighbors receive the protein they need.

Trinity River Community Resource Center.

Trinity River Community Resource Center

Located at 1768 County Rd 3558 in Cleveland, TX, the Trinity River CRC offers neighbors access to a free neighbor-choice market. Volunteers are instrumental to Trinity River CRC’s operations, with shifts available for Tuesday through Saturday.

Houston Food Bank North Branch

North Branch

Located at 146 Knobcrest, is a 128,000 square-foot facility that handles all types of product (dry, refrigerated, frozen and items specific for disaster response). Volunteers will help build home delivery kits and disaster boxes. Individuals and small group volunteer (up to 10 people) opportunities available.

Senior Box Distribution

Help move and load boxes into cars for seniors who pick up food during monthly distributions at area community centers and other locations.

Food Distributions

Food Distribution

Volunteers are often needed in helping us hand out food boxes to our neighbors at events such as a donor sponsored food distribution. These events are hands-on and a great way for you to see firsthand the impact of your service.

PREPARE TO VOLUNTEER

In order to be ready for your volunteer shift, here are a few things you need.

  1. All volunteers are required to complete the waiver form when registering online.
    Adult Liability Waiver
    Minor Liability Waiver
  2. Every volunteer must watch these important training videos. These videos will discuss clothing requirements, safety and expectations.
  3. Late arrivals may be asked to reschedule their shift.

The Volunteer Experience

“We can all be heroes: in our virtues, in our homes, in our lives.”  – James Ellis