Volunteer: Your Support is Needed
Where Would We Be Without Our Volunteers?
Together, we served over 1.2 million meals last year—a testament to the incredible power of the community. Our volunteers inspire hope, create connections, and remind us all that when we stand together, we can achieve remarkable things.
Every Role Makes a Difference
With a variety of volunteer opportunities designed to fit different skills, interests, and schedules, we have a place for everyone to contribute. Whether you prefer active, outdoor tasks or calm, seated roles, your time helps us serve thousands of families every week.
Warehouse – Packing and Food Distribution Volunteer Opportunities
Tuesday & Thursday Shifts – Packing Days
- Tuesday Schedule: 9:00–11:30 AM or 11:30 AM–2:00 PM
- Thursday Schedule: 9:00–12:00 PM
- Focus: Preparing client orders for pick-up days.
- Tasks: Shop for items from online orders or bag donated produce.
- Environment: Calm and steady, ideal for volunteers who prefer a relaxed pace.
Wednesday & Friday Distribution Days
- Schedule: 8:45 AM–12:00 PM or 11:45 AM–2:15 PM
- Focus: Assisting clients with picking up their food orders.
- Tasks: Help load groceries, organize orders, and direct traffic.
- Environment: Fast-paced and community-centered, serving 300–800 families each day.
Volunteer Roles on Distribution Days:
- Runners: Retrieve items from the warehouse for client orders.
- Pre-loaders: Prepare shopping carts with daily specials (fresh produce, bread, etc.).
- Outside Loaders: Load food into clients’ vehicles (outdoor, physical role).
- Baggers: Portion bulk produce into family-sized bags for distribution.
- Traffic Control: Guide vehicle flow and support clients through the pick-up process.
Warehouse Operations Support Volunteer Shifts
- Tuesday/Thursday Schedule: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Wednesday/Friday Schedule: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 11:45 AM – 2:15 PM
- Role: These shifts include a variety of tasks, such as organizing inventory, unloading trucks, moving boxes, cleaning, and assisting with stocking shelves. Some tasks may be physically demanding, and volunteers should be comfortable lifting up to 30 pounds. Your time directly helps us organize and distribute food to the community.
Ad-Hoc Driver for Food Pickup
(Various Days, based on Geographical Location)
Looking to make a meaningful difference while on the road? Volunteer as an ad-hoc driver to help pick up food donations around the island! We’re seeking reliable individuals who can transport food from various donation sites to The Pantry for distribution. Pickup schedules will be based on your geographical location. If you have a vehicle and are available to assist with food pickups on a weekly basis, we’d love to have you on board! Sign up here to let us know when you’re available to help.
Urban Garden Center Volunteer Program
Join us every Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the University of Hawaii Urban Garden Center, where we cultivate sustainable, farm-fresh produce for local families in need. This hands-on opportunity allows you to participate in planting, maintaining, and harvesting produce that supports The Pantry’s mission to provide nutritious meals to our community. Everything harvested goes directly to The Pantry for distribution to families requiring healthy, fresh food. No prior gardening experience? No problem! We provide all the training you need.
By volunteering at the Urban Garden Center, you’re making a direct contribution to our mission of providing nutritious, culturally appropriate meals. Each plant you nurture and every crop you harvest helps feed a family in our community. It’s more than just gardening; it’s a chance to make a lasting difference.
Volunteer Tasks
- Planting & Maintaining the Garden: Help us grow the crops that will feed our community.
- Harvesting Fresh Produce: Pick fruits and vegetables that go directly to The Pantry for distribution.
- Garden Projects: Support garden development projects, such as building planters and improving growing spaces.
Getting Started
- When: Every Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Where: Meet at The Pantry to pick up gear (gloves, harvesting bags) and head to the garden.
- What to Bring: Sunscreen, closed-toed shoes, hat, water, and a snack.
AS-NEEDED BASIS
Marketing and Development Support Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers to assist with various marketing and development tasks that help amplify our efforts and connect with our community. This role is flexible, with volunteer opportunities available during specific campaigns or events.
Key Responsibilities
- Design Flyers & Promotional Materials
Help create eye-catching and effective flyers, posters, and digital content for events and campaigns.
- Photography & Videography
Take photos of our events, programs, and volunteers, following a specific shot list to highlight our impact and share the stories of those we serve.
- Content Creation
Assist with writing engaging copy for social media, newsletters, and other communications.
- Letter Writing, Mail Preparation & General Campaign Support
Assist with tasks such as writing thank-you letters, preparing mailings, assembling materials, and supporting various campaign activities as needed.
Administrative Volunteer Opportunities
MINIMUM COMMITMENT: 2 MONTHS
Client Support Specialist
- Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday | 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
- Focus: Assisting clients with phone orders and account support.
- Tasks:
- Register food preferences and assist clients with navigating our survey process.
- Make calls to support clients in logging into their accounts and completing their grocery lists.
- Provide patient, clear communication to help clients feel supported.
- Ideal for: Volunteers who are detail-oriented, comfortable with customer service, and enjoy working directly with clients in an office setting. This role is perfect for those who prefer a desk-based position in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment.
Thursday Administrative Support
- Schedule: Thursday | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Focus: Data entry and office support.
- Tasks:
- Input data for client and donor records.
- Process and organize donation receipts.
- Assist with general administrative tasks.
- Ideal for: Volunteers who are organized, enjoy behind-the-scenes roles, and have basic computer skills.
Team Opportunities
Looking to volunteer with your team? We offer Group Volunteer Days, where we can reserve shifts for teams of up to 10 people. It’s a great way to work together, support the community, and make an impact. Contact us to coordinate a day and time that works best for your group.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Sign Up for a Volunteer Shift and join a community of incredible individuals dedicated to helping Hawai‘i’s families thrive.
Together, we’ll ensure every family that comes to The Pantry leaves with hope, nourishment, and a sense of aloha. 🌺