Volunteering at Good Shepherd Food Bank is one of the best ways to give back to your neighbors struggling with food insecurity. By donating a few hours of your time, you’ll provide meals to our neighbors across Maine. Please let us know if there is a questions that you did not see an answer to in the FAQs below by emailing us at volunteer@gsfb.org.

How do I sign up to volunteer?  

Go to Volunteer Sign Up Page and click Volunteer Now to start the process. 

Please note that we are unable to accommodate drop-in volunteers. Scheduling your shift at least one day in advance allows us to plan for our projects and distributions adequately. 

May I schedule a group? How many people can you accommodate at once?  

Good Shepherd Food Bank welcomes volunteer groups! Volunteering at the food bank is a great team-building opportunity. We can accommodate groups of up to seven volunteers at our Hampden location and up to twelve volunteers at our Auburn location. 

Please email the Volunteer Engagement Team to schedule your visit with us. 

When can I volunteer?  

After you have completed your New Volunteer Orientation, you are welcome to sign up for our regular volunteer hours. Regular hours are available at the Auburn distribution center from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays. 

Our Hampden distribution center operates from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays. 

These times are subject to change due to availability; for exact times, please check schedules. 

What kind of projects can I expect to help with as a volunteer?  

• In the distribution centers, our volunteers assist with packing food boxes, repackaging produce, sorting and inspecting food donations, and other tasks as necessary. 
• Off-site, our volunteers may help at events, fundraisers, and administrative tasks at our offices or remotely. 
• You may volunteer in our Cooking Matters Maine classes helping our neighbors learn the basics of nutrition and cooking. 

What are the age requirements?  

All volunteers must be 14 years or older. We ask that volunteers 14-16 years old be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Volunteers under 18 must complete a waiver signed by a parent/guardian. 

I'm not able to volunteer at either of your distribution centers, how else can I volunteer?   

The Food Bank distributes food to a network of nearly 600 partner agencies. This includes food pantries, meal sites, senior centers, school programs, and health care centers, which may be closer to you. Please see our food map to find an agency to offer your volunteer time. You may also be interested in volunteering with the Cooking Matters Maine Program. 

What should I do if I signed up to volunteer but am feeling sick?  

Please, stay home. Take care of yourself, and if you recently volunteered with us, please get in touch with the volunteer department. 

What should I wear when I volunteer?  

Closed-toe shoes are required when volunteering anywhere in the Food Bank. We recommend your wear comfortable clothes that your do not mind getting dirty and shoes you can stand in for an extended period. You may wish to dress in layers as our distribution center temperatures vary. 

Should I bring anything with me to volunteer?  

You may wish to bring a water bottle or snack/lunch as breaks are encouraged during volunteer shifts. All food and beverages besides water must be kept in our breakroom or your vehicle.  We recommend bringing a jacket or sweatshirt along as our warehouse temperatures can vary depending on the weather.

What should I expect on my first day of volunteering?  

As a new volunteer, you will spend your first day at our facility being oriented and trained for your volunteer role. This will include time helping out in one of our volunteer areas. You will be placed in a role depending on the needs of the distribution center. 

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask a staff member in the area in which you are volunteering. 

Is there a place for my personal belongings?  

Volunteers can keep items in the breakrooms at each of our centers. Please leave any valuables at home or in your car. 

Where are the food banks located and will parking be available?  

Our Auburn distribution center is at 3121 Hotel Road, Auburn, ME 04211. 

Our Hampden distribution center is located at 11 Penobscot Meadow Drive, Hampden, ME 04444. 

The parking lots are very busy with trucks entering and leaving; please use caution when navigating around the lot. Parking is available in front of each distribution center. To enter the Auburn location, please proceed to the main entrance and use the intercom button to access the building. In Hampden, please follow the sign to the volunteer entrance on the side of the building and use the intercom button. 

Can I complete school community service hours at Good Shepherd Food Bank?  

We accept student volunteers over the age of 14. All volunteers must apply online and sign in and out of the onsite volunteer database to record their service hours. The volunteer manager will sign off on or provide any paperwork that needs to be completed. 

Do you accept court-referred volunteers?  

Good Shepherd Food Bank welcomes individuals who receive a court order to perform community service, provided it was not a violent crime, sex offense, or involved a minor. Visit our Court Referred application and complete the form. You will need to upload a copy of court documentation to be approved. 

What if I need to cancel my volunteer appointment?  

If you have signed up for a shift and need to cancel or reschedule, please sign in to the Volunteer Sign Up Page to make the changes to your schedule. 

Is there an age limit for groups?  

All volunteers must be 14 years or older. We ask that volunteers 14-16 years old be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Volunteers under the age of 18 must submit a waiver signed by a parent/guardian. 

What do in the case of inclement weather?  

Please prioritize your safety and use good judgement. If you do not feel safe traveling to the Food Bank, please cancel your shift through your volunteer dashboard or by calling the Food Bank.

In some cases, the Food Bank may close due to weather. Closings will be announced on all major news stations and their websites. You may also check the Good Shepherd Food Bank social media accounts, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/feedingmaine/, and Instagram @feedingmaine.

Can we take photos?  

Absolutely! We encourage volunteers to take photos and share their experiences as a volunteer with us. 

If you post pictures from your volunteer experience on social media, please tag us with the hashtags #helpfeedmaine and #feedingmaine.