We rely heavily on volunteers who give their time to help us fulfill our mission to feed the hungry. Without the thousands of volunteers each year, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank would be unable to provide food to the many children, seniors and families facing hunger in our community. Still, many of our new volunteers have questions regarding the process. Please see below for many frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers. We hope this allows for a smoother process. If you still have questions or concerns, please contact the Food Bank at (225) 359-9940 or email info@brfoodbank.org. Additionally, our Volunteer Handbook contains the full information on our volunteer program.
Everything You Need to Know About Volunteering with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank:
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What will I do as a volunteer?
Please view our volunteer opportunity descriptions here.
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When can I volunteer?
- Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Tuesday – Friday: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Click here for a list of volunteer shift opportunities.
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Do I need to register to volunteer in advance?
Yes, you must be registered with a volunteer account and sign up for each shift you would like to attend. Please click here to register, then use our opportunity calendar to sign up for a shift.
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Can children volunteer?
Yes, however, there are age restrictions based on the volunteer opportunity. All youth volunteers must have their parent or legal guardian sign the electronic waiver prior to their first volunteer shift. The waiver only needs to be signed once. Warehouse Activities: minimum age for volunteers is 14 years old or 10-13 years old may volunteer if accompanied by an adult age 18 or older. Mobile Distributions: minimum age for volunteers is 18 years old. Vince Ferachi Community Garden: minimum age for volunteers is 14 years old. Children younger than 10 years old are allowed to volunteer in the warehouse on Family Night. With special permission and appropriate chaperones, children younger than 10 are permitted to tour the warehouse or assist with certain off-site special events/projects such as gleanings, food collections, etc. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (225) 359-9940 or volunteer@brfoodbank.org for more information.
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Can my organization volunteer as a group?
Yes, please watch the video here for instructions on how to create a volunteer team. Once the team is created, please use the opportunity calendar to sign up for shifts as a team. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (225) 359-9940 or volunteers@brfoodbank.org with any questions.
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What should I wear?
- Closed-toe shoes are MANDATORY, preferably sneakers.
- Loose comfortable clothing (our warehouse is not climate controlled; therefore, be mindful of the weather conditions)
- If you prefer to wear work gloves, please bring them with you.
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What should I bring with me?
- You do not need to bring anything with you.
- Please leave valuables, purses, or backpacks in your vehicle for your safety and security. The Food Bank is not responsible for lost and/or stolen items brought into our facilities.
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What time do I need to arrive?
Please arrive promptly at the start of your volunteer shift. Volunteers who are more than 30 minutes late for the start of their shift are asked to reschedule for a shift they can fully attend.
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What do I do once I arrive at the Food Bank?
Please check in at the front desk and the Volunteer Coordinator will direct you to the volunteer areas.
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What if I am going to be late?
Our late policy states that if you will be more than 30 minutes late for the start of your shift, we ask that you reschedule in order to maintain the workflow in the warehouse. Prior arrangements can be made with the Volunteer Coordinator.
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If there are no spots available, can I still come volunteer?
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate any volunteers who are not signed up for that shift, as we cannot go over capacity in our warehouse.
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What do I do if I cannot make my volunteer shift?
If you cannot attend your volunteer shift, call (225) 359-9940 or email volunteers@brfoodbank.org at least 24 hours in advance.
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Can I get documentation for community service hours for my school, church, etc.?
Our Volunteer Coordinator will be able to sign documentation showing your volunteer activity, or you can print your volunteer history through your volunteer account. Volunteers are required to check in for each shift in order for hours to be verified.
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Can I volunteer for court-ordered community service hours?
All court-ordered volunteers must be approved prior to volunteering. Please email a photo ID and a document stating your charges to volunteers@brfoodbank.org.