Volunteer FAQs
WHAT WILL I DO WHEN I VOLUNTEER?
Warehouse volunteering is by far our most popular volunteer opportunity. These activities vary day by day but generally include sorting and inspecting both non-perishable and perishable food donations, stocking food pantry shelves and/or packing grocery bags for families in need.
Feeding America Tampa Bay also offers volunteer opportunities at our Mobile Pantry distributions. In this opportunity, Feeding America Tampa Bay partners with one of our local hunger relief charity partners and distributes groceries to large numbers of individuals and families in need. Dates and locations of these distributions vary month to month. Groups of 15 or fewer are encouraged to volunteer. Individuals are also welcome.
Our Kids Cafe program serves children in low income areas at afterschool centers during the week. These programs provide: a) weekday snacks and meals for the children, b) weekend groceries for the children and their families, and c) nutrition and health education. In order not to overwhelm our Kids Cafe children, we ask that volunteer groups be 10 or less. Individuals are also welcome. Please note that because this opportunity involves children, there is a separate application process for regular volunteers.
Feeding America Tampa Bay also holds a number of fundraising events throughout the year that require off site volunteer assistance. From our Golf Tournament to our annual Empty Bowls Luncheon, volunteers can expect to assist with set up and clean up, running event tables and help with community outreach.
DO I NEED TO SCHEDULE IN ADVANCE?
Yes! All volunteer visits MUST be scheduled in advance – NO EXCEPTIONS. After you have registered your volunteer visit with us online, you will receive a confirmation which will include specific information about your volunteer activity. Don’t forget to print and complete your FATB Waiver.
DO YOU HAVE SPECIFIC TIME COMMITMENTS?
No. You may volunteer once or on a regular basis.
DO I NEED TRAINING TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
You DO NOT need any special training to volunteer. Simply register online and be present on your scheduled day. After a short orientation, you will be able to begin volunteering with us!
HOW DO I SCHEDULE MY VOLUNTEER VISIT?
Individuals and small groups may register online with your preferred volunteer activity and availability. It is best to have several dates in mind when scheduling.
Large groups and/or Corporate volunteering should contact Ashton Connell
CAN I BRING A GROUP??
Of course! Feeding America Tampa Bay welcomes corporate teams, church groups, schools, service organizations, alumni associations, families and Greek organizations. Warehouse volunteering can accommodate up to 50 people per shift and tends to be the best plan for team building activities though for smaller groups, other options are available.
Please note that the group leader MUST schedule the group’s visit beforehand and will remain the main contact for that group. It is the group leader’s responsibility to forward all volunteer information to the group before the visit.
DO YOU ALLOW SCHOOL GROUPS TO VOLUNTEER?
Due to warehouse safety procedures, Feeding America Tampa Bay prefers middle or high school students volunteer with us.
However, elementary students are encouraged to take a warehouse tour to learn more about domestic hunger issues and how Feeding America Tampa Bay serves the community.
CAN CHILDREN VOLUNTEER?
The minimum age to volunteer is 10 years old. An adult must accompany any minor under the age of 15.
Please note that warehouse volunteering does take place in an industrialized space with mechanical equipment. Safety is our first priority but it is also important to evaluate your child’s maturity level, especially with young children, before scheduling your volunteer session.
CAN I COMPLETE COURT ASSIGNED COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS?
Maybe. Feeding America Tampa Bay will only consider candidates with DUI and/or traffic offenses at this time. NO OTHER CRIMES (including felonies, domestic abuse, assault, sexual offenses, etc.) are accepted.
Feeding America Tampa Bay handles Department of Juvenile Justice and Juvenile Diversion Program candidates case by case. Please contact Volunteer Services for more information.
Feeding America Tampa Bay reserves the right to reject any candidate should the situation merit doing so.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY VOLUNTEER SHIFT?
You MUST bring a signed volunteer waiver form for yourself and everyone in your party. You may also bring along any paperwork that must be completed in order to receive credit for volunteer hours. Please keep personal belongings in your car as Feeding America Tampa Bay is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
CLOSED TOE SHOES are MANDATORY for all volunteers. No sandals or flip-flops are permitted at any time when volunteering.
Recommended attire for all volunteer activities includes t-shirts, jeans and shorts of appropriate length. The temperature of the warehouse often reflects outside weather so please dress comfortably.
Tank tops, short shorts and offensive clothing are NOT appropriate.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
Tampa Warehouse: 4702 Transport Drive, Building 6
Tampa, FL 33605
Clearwater Warehouse: 4711 126th Avenue North, Suite H
Clearwater, FL 33762
Land O’ Lakes Warehouse: 5829 Ehren Cutoff
Land O’ Lakes, FL 36439
Kids Cafe and Mobile Pantry distribution locations vary so please contact Volunteer Services for details.
WHOM DO I CONTACT?
Please contact Vollunteer Services for available volunteer shifts.
Volunteer Services Coordinator
Lindsey Bressi
Click here to email
or call (813) 254-1190 x207
Volunteer Manager
Ashton Connell
Click here to email
or call (813) 254-1190 x212
