Volunteer Basics

Learn About Volunteering with the Thurston County Food Bank

We are a Volunteer-based Organization!

Volunteers established the food bank in 1972 and they have been the foundation of our success ever since. Together with our volunteers, and an awareness of the systemic problem of food insecurity, we strive to alleviate hunger in our community in the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor. Every year an average of over 2,000 volunteers donate over 40,000 hours of their time to support our mission — and we simply could not do the work without their generous commitment of time and talent!

Volunteer organizations build relationships within the community and contribute to supporting others in the community. In addition to furthering our mission of reducing food insecurity, the Food Bank’s diverse volunteer roles provide opportunities for social inclusion, skills development, and potential routes to employment.

Explore our volunteer pages to learn the many ways you can make a difference by joining our amazing volunteer team! We look forward to working with you!

When and Where Can I Volunteer?

Volunteers are scheduled Monday through Friday for daytime shifts and at other times to support special programs and events. Our regular volunteer shifts for individuals are listed below. Choose the location(s) and schedule that fit your needs and Sign Up or reach out to a Volunteer Coordinator!

OLYMPIA FOOD PANTRY:
Monday*, Wednesday, and Friday
*CLOSED on the 3rd Monday of each month

Two volunteer shifts each day:
7:45 AM–Noon and 11:45 AM–4 PM

LACEY FOOD PANTRY:
Tuesday and Thursday
Two volunteer shifts each day:
9 AM–12:30 PM and Noon–3 PM,
and the 2nd Wednesday of each month 3–7 PM
Farm Stand: select Saturdays 9:30 AM–1:30 PM

TUMWATER WAREHOUSE:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Two volunteer shifts each day:
9 AM–Noon and 1–4 PM
Note: Mondays and Fridays are for special requests and groups by appointment only.

Families and Volunteer Groups

Families and groups of various sizes have numerous opportunities to support our programs during the week and with occasional weekend events. Our biggest events occur in November and May with additional projects throughout the year. Groups are encouraged to contact us for more information.

Who Can Volunteer?

The Food Bank has various tasks for individuals of all ages. Students and youth ages 12 and older may volunteer without parental or custodial supervision. Youth under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Students needing class/school community service hours may volunteer during the school year, and during Spring, Summer and Winter Breaks.

Court-referred Community Service

The Food Bank supports Court-referred Community Service volunteers. You are responsible for providing your court documents to our staff before starting your community service. TCFB cannot accept volunteer applications from persons with history of crimes against other people.