Individual Volunteer Opportunities
The Franklin Food Pantry has flexible volunteer options to meet almost everyone’s desire to help. To volunteer as an individual, simply fill out the online application, and come to a brief orientation at The Pantry. Before beginning, we request that each volunteer completes a CORI consent form, reads and then signs the Volunteer Handbook Acknowledgement. Please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@franklinfoodpantry.org with any questions about volunteering.
We thank you for your interest in investing your volunteer time with us!
Individual Volunteers
In Person Shopping Assistance
- Assist neighbors shopping at The Pantry to select much-needed kitchen staples, fresh produce, and personal hygiene items
- Welcome neighbors to The Pantry by checking them in and scheduling appointments
Stock Shelves
- Help us stock and organize our shelves to ready The Pantry for the next day’s shoppers
- Must be able to lift and carry 30lbs
Home Delivery
- Bring a smile to your neighbors by packing and delivering bags to homebound individuals
- Must be able to lift and carry 30lbs
Curbside Distribution Assistance
- Work with other volunteers and staff to distribute kitchen staples and fresh produce to neighbors through convenient curbside pick-up hours
Truck Unload
- Skip the gym by helping The Pantry unload deliveries and organize items in our warehouse
Community Gardens
- Plant, cultivate, and harvest fresh produce at the Franklin Community Garden
- If you are interested in helping at the Franklin Community Gardens, please contact: communitygardens@franklinfoodpantry.org
Stamp Out Hunger
- One day each May, help unload, sort, organize, and date-check thousands of pounds of food donated by the community and picked up by the postal service. A fantastic opportunity for individuals, community groups, corporate groups, and families to come together and support our mission. Sign-up and updates will be posted here and on social media.
Weekend Backpack Program & Kids Bags
- Pack and organize backpacks to provide essential nutrition to school-age children on the weekends
- Distribute to Franklin schools
- Pack kids’ bags for curbside distribution
Mobile Pantry
- Help serve neighbors on location by packing for the mobile pantry, setting up, assisting shoppers, and unpacking at The Pantry
Food Elves
- Volunteer as a district parent to help guide a group of elves
- Middle School and High School students can volunteer and earn community service hours by signing up to be a Franklin Food Elf during the giving season. Visit here for more information and to sign up
Corporate and Community Group Opportunities
MetroWest Provisions loading holiday hams into The Pantry truck.
The Pantry would not be the incredible community resource it is today without the wonderful support from local corporations and community groups. We value your support! Plan a fundraiser in your community.
Host Events
Your organization, business, corporation, school, or church can sponsor an event having the proceeds donated to The Pantry. Here are some ideas: golf tournaments, contests, trivia nights, and concerts.
Sponsor a Food and Fund Drive
The Food and Fund Drive is a great way to help the pantry. It’s easy to do! The Tool Kit provides everything you need to know and how to register your drive.
Youth Volunteer Opportunities
It’s never too early for kids to learn the value of volunteering in their community. If you’re 14 or older, we have a number of options for you:
- Youth volunteers can organize Food and Fund Drive with the help of an adult to benefit The Pantry.
- You can work with our neighbors in a client service role if you’re 18 or older
- Middle School and High School students can volunteer and earn community service hours by signing up to be a Franklin Food Elf during the giving season.
Due to the confidential nature of those we serve and our hours of operation, the Pantry has specific, age-appropriate opportunities for youth volunteers. Volunteer opportunities for those under 18 are typically seasonal (summer) and are limited in availability.
The Pantry will occasionally hold volunteer events onsite open to children under 14. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a parent. The Pantry will post these events and other youth volunteer opportunities on our website and publicize them on social media.
Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals seeking court-ordered service hours.