Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana Volunteer FAQs - Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana

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?

Learn how to become a SHFB volunteer, and find the right volunteer application for you or your group on the following pages:
Individual Volunteer Application
Group Volunteer Application
Once your volunteer application is received, a member of our Volunteer Services department will be in touch with you. Groups are scheduled with a member of our Volunteer Services team. Individuals can access the online calendar to sign up for shifts.

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?

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.

Sort & Pack
Wednesday & Thursday
1st shift: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
2nd shift: 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

When are the volunteer shifts in Lake Charles?

Stay tuned for updates!

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 (link)
*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.

Can I do my court appointed community service hours at Second Harvest?

Yes, we accept court appointed community service hours.

Individual approval is required. Mandatory orientations and registration is held every MONDAY at 9:00 AM.

For more information, please contact LaShondra Glover at lglover@no-hunger.org or 504-729-2850 if you are located in New Orleans.

If you are located in Lafayette or Lake Charles, please contact Niah McGrew at nmcgrew@no-hunger.org or 337.237.7711

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?

If you are located in New Orleans, please contact LaShondra Glover at lglover@no-hunger.org or 504-729-2850