Volunteer at The Pantry
Volunteers are the heart of the Franklin Food Pantry. From sorting fresh produce and unpacking truck deliveries to welcoming and assisting our clients, their dedication helps ensure our neighbors have access to the food and resources they need.
The Pantry offers volunteer opportunities for adults, teens (age 15+), and groups. Younger children can make a difference through fun and meaningful volunteer opportunities designed with them in mind, such as Food and Fund Drives and Pantry Elves.
We count on our volunteers to be dependable, collaborative, and dedicated serving every neighbor with kindness and dignity. Working side-by-side with staff volunteers help ensure a welcoming, supportive environment for everyone who walks through our door.
The Pantry operates much like a grocery store, with volunteers actively supporting day-to-day operations and programs. Most volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Friday between 7:30am and 4pm, year-round, in all types of weather. Many roles involve standing for 2 to 4 hours, bending, lifting, and moving items weighing 30 pounds or more.
If you are ready to roll up your sleeves, work as part of a team, and make a meaningful contribution to our community, we would love to have you volunteer with us.
Client & Shopping Support
- Greeting neighbors, assisting with shopping, helping clients navigate The Pantry, and providing a welcoming shopping experience.
Pantry & Marketplace Support
- Preparing the Marketplace, stocking shelves, organizing food, and keeping The Pantry welcoming and well stocked.
Warehouse & Pantry Operations
- Receiving, sorting, organizing, and moving food donations; unloading deliveries; and preparing food for distribution.
Transportation & Pickups
- Picking up food and donations from community partners, transporting items, and assisting with deliveries.
Ready to Get Started? Choose Your Application
Please select and complete an application that best describes how you would like to volunteer.
Adult Volunteers
Youth Volunteers
Individual
Individual Adult
(Ages 18+)
Ready to commit to regular, active shifts? Fill out our application.
Individual Youth
(Ages 15 to 17)
Looking to give back or complete community service hours? Apply here.
Group
Adult Groups / Corporate
(Ages 18+)
Looking for a team-building day? We host civic groups, faith communities, and corporate teams.
Youth Groups
(Ages 17 and Under)
Perfect for youth clubs or teams. (Must have 1 adult chaperone per 5 youth volunteers.)
Current volunteers, click button to access the VicNet Online Portal to schedule a volunteer shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I submit my application?
Our team will review your application and reach out by email to confirm an orientation date.
Do I need to attend a volunteer orientation?
Yes. All potential individual volunteers are required to attend an in-person Volunteer Orientation at The Pantry before beginning their first volunteer shift. Orientation is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes and includes a tour of The Pantry, an overview of our programs and volunteer opportunities, and a discussion of volunteer expectations.
What is the volunteer commitment?
To keep our daily programs running smoothly, we ask volunteers for a one-year commitment following orientation. We invest in training each team member, and consistent support helps us best serve our community. In return, a full year gives each volunteer a richer experience getting to know our programs, staff, and neighbors.
What are the volunteer hours?
Most volunteer opportunities take place Monday through Friday between 7:30am. and 4:pm. Shift lengths vary by role, with many opportunities lasting approximately 2 to 4 hours.
Do you have weekend or evening volunteer opportunities?
Most of our volunteer opportunities take place during our regular weekday operating hours Monday through Friday between 7:30am. and 4pm. We offer a small number of evening shifts, though availability for those roles is limited.
What is the dress code?
Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily and that you don’t mind getting dirty. Sneakers or flat, closed-toe shoes are required. For safety reasons, flip-flops, Crocs, and sandals are not permitted.
Lockers are available for personal belongings, but we recommend leaving jewelry and other valuables at home.
What are the physical requirements to volunteer?
Many of our onsite volunteer roles involve standing, bending, reaching, lifting, and moving food and other items weighing 30 pounds or more. Physical requirements vary by role. If you have questions about a specific role or would like to discuss accommodations, please contact us before scheduling a shift.
Do you have volunteer roles for people of all abilities?
Yes. We welcome volunteers of all abilities and are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment. Please email volunteers@franklinfoodpantry.org so we can talk with you about your strengths, interests, and comfort level and identify an opportunity that is a good fit.
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
Volunteers must be a minimum of 15 years old to participate in onsite individual volunteer opportunities at The Pantry.
Younger children can still make a difference through opportunities designed with them in mind, including hosting a Food or Fund Drive throughout the year or participating in Pantry Elves during the holiday season.
Can I volunteer with my family?
To volunteer as a family, or group, please complete a group volunteer request form. Families can also organize a Food or Fund Drive.
Can I bring a friend or my child with me to my volunteer shift?
Friends and family members cannot accompany volunteers during a volunteer shift unless they are also scheduled to volunteer.
Do volunteers need to consent to a CORI background check?
Yes. All volunteers must consent to a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check as part of the onboarding process.
Can I fulfill court-ordered community service hours at The Pantry?
No. We are unable to accommodate individuals seeking to complete court-ordered community service hours.