Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just starting out, we have something for everyone. We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities that cater to your preferences and skills, allowing you to get involved in a way that works for you. From packing meal kits to working in our community kitchens, there's no shortage of ways to help out. See below for volunteer opportunities at each of our locations!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do volunteers do at Second Harvest?
There are several ways you can help:
Kitchen – prep and plate meals
Warehouse – sort and pack food
Mobile Market – set up and help run the grocery
Admin – Various clerical duties
Events – set up and help serve food and drinks
How do I become a volunteer?
Becoming a volunteer is easy!
Click on the city name above where you would like to volunteer.
Then click “Get Started” on the top right.
Create your account on Volunteerhub.
View the available shifts and sign up for whichever work for your schedule!
Upon arrival, you’ll receive a brief orientation and get any other questions answered!
When are the volunteer shifts in New Orleans?
SUMMER SHIFTS STARTING JUNE 3
The Reily Foods Kitchen
Minimum age 15
Monday-Friday
1st shift: 6:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
2nd shift: 8:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
3rd shift: 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
4th shift: 1:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Food Sorting & Packing
Minimum age 9
Monday-Friday
1st shift: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
2nd shift: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
3rd shift: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Makin’ Groceries Mobile Market
James C. Simmons Community Center,
Westwego, LA
Minimum age 18
Thursday
1st shift: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
When are the volunteer shifts in Lafayette?
Food Sorting & Packing
Minimum age: 9
Wednesday – Thursday
1st shift: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
2nd shift: 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Makin’ Groceries Mobile Market
Minimum age: 15
Monday – Friday
1st shift: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Vermillion Kitchen (Abbeville)
Minimum age: 15
Monday – Friday
1st shift: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
2nd shift: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Emergency Pantry Assistant
Monday-Friday
1st shift: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
2nd shift: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
When are the volunteer shifts in Lake Charles?
The McNeese Kitchen
Minimum age: 15
Monday – Friday
1st shift: 8:00 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Makin’ Groceries Mobile Market
Minimum age: 15
Monday – Friday
1st shift: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Is there an age restriction? Are chaperones required?
Kitchen volunteers must be at least 15 years or older.
Warehouse volunteers must be at least 9 years or older.
All volunteers age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteers age 13 and up can sign up independently.
Chaperone requirements for youth groups:
1 chaperone per 5 students between the ages of 9 – 13 (4th – 8th grades)
1 chaperone per 10 students between the ages of 14 – 18 (9th – 12th grades)
All youth volunteers must complete and return the youth Permission Slip and Liability Waiver
*All age requirements are strictly enforced to ensure the safety and productivity of our volunteers.*
My child or youth group is too young to volunteer, are there other opportunities?
Yes! We encourage youth individuals or groups to do a Food and Fund Drive. Groups are welcome to schedule a time for a visit to Second Harvest to deliver their donations. A member of our Volunteer Services team is happy to give your group a tour of the warehouse to help you learn more about hunger and Second Harvest Food Bank.
I have questions about booking a group, who should I talk to?
For groups in New Orleans, please email LaShondra Glover at lglover@no-hunger.org
For groups in Lafayette or Lake Charles, please email Niah McGrew nmcgrew@no-hunger.org
All group volunteer shifts must be scheduled in advance.
*Please allow 48 hours for volunteer services to respond
Can I do my court appointed community service hours at Second Harvest?
Yes, we accept court appointed volunteers with non-violent offenses.
For New Orleans
Individual approval is required.
For more information, please contact LaShondra Glover at lglover@no-hunger.org or 504-729-2850.
For Lafayette
Individual approval is required. Please contact Niah McGrew at Nmcgrew@no-hunger.org or 337-224-3401 to schedule mandatory orientation and registration. Minimum age: 18
*Please allow 48 hours for volunteer services to respond
I am already a registered volunteer. How do I sign up for shifts?
Once you have completed the application and your registration has been accepted, you can start signing up for volunteer opportunities!
Click on the city name above to log in to the online calendar or Volunteer Information Center. By accessing the Volunteer Information Center, you can see our calendar of ALL volunteer opportunities and sign up for shifts right online! It’s easy to use and the best way for individual volunteers to manage their schedule.
I have another question, who should I talk to?
*Please allow 48 hours for volunteer services to respond
If you are located in New Orleans, please contact LaShondra Glover at lglover@no-hunger.org or 504-729-2850
If you are located in Lafayette or Lake Charles, please contact Niah McGrew at nmcgrew@no-hunger.org or 337-224-3401
