FOOD: Food Pantry Operations Volunteer

Directly contribute to fighting hunger and supporting vulnerable communities in San Diego by volunteering at Partnership for a Better San Diego's food pantry in Mission Valley. Due to budget constraints, Partnership for a Better San Diego is unable to hire additional food pantry employees. Volunteers help them fill that gap so community members can get the food assistance they need.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with transporting food from donors to their pantry
• Help load and unload the food pantry truck
• Help organize and sort food donations to ensure a smooth distribution process
• Distribute items to recipients on distribution days; monitor inventory levels and replenish as needed
• Engage with pantry recipients with kindness, empathy, and a non‑judgmental manner
• Support with the set up and break down of food distributions

Training Provided:

On‑site training provided at the beginning of the shift

Attire: Closed‑toe, non‑slip shoes, clothes that can get dirty.

Physical Requirements: Lift, push and pull up to 40 lbs, stand for hours at a time. Unfortunately this opportunity is not able to make accommodations for individuals with physical limitations.

Accessibility: Unfortunately the space where this project takes place is not wheelchair accessible.

Weather: Food distributions occur rain or shine. If a volunteer does not feel comfortable working in this environment, please notify their pantry coordinator as soon as possible.

Photos: Volunteers may not take photos of clients but may have photos taken of them.

The mission of Partnership for a Better San Diego is to combat food insecurity and promote economic stability in San Diego and Imperial Counties by empowering underserved populations. They strengthen the local hospitality sector and advance the labor movement through workforce development programs that create access to quality union jobs.

Population Served: Families, Homeless, Immigrants, Refugees or Ethnic Groups, LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender), Low‑income communities, Military/Veterans, Offenders/Ex‑offenders, People with Disabilities, People with Health‑based Concerns

Activity Type: Collecting, Sorting & Packaging, Food Preparation & Meal Services

Requirements: Age Minimum (with Adult): 18+, Minimum Age: 18+, Court Ordered Volunteer - Allowed

• Thursday, November 20, 2025 From 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
• Monday, December 1, 2025 From 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
• Monday, December 1, 2025 From 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, December 2, 2025 From 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, December 2, 2025 From 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, December 2, 2025 From 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, December 3, 2025 From 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
• Wednesday, December 3, 2025 From 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Thursday, December 4, 2025 From 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
• Monday, December 8, 2025 From 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
• Monday, December 8, 2025 From 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, December 9, 2025 From 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, December 9, 2025 From 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, December 9, 2025 From 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, December 10, 2025 From 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
• Wednesday, December 10, 2025 From 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Thursday, December 11, 2025 From 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
• Monday, December 15, 2025 From 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
• Monday, December 15, 2025 From 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, December 16, 2025 From 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, December 16, 2025 From 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, December 16, 2025 From 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, December 17, 2025 From 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
• Wednesday, December 17, 2025 From 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Thursday, December 18, 2025 From 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
• Monday, December 22, 2025 From 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
• Monday, December 22, 2025 From 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, December 23, 2025 From 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, December 23, 2025 From 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, December 23, 2025 From 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Monday, December 29, 2025 From 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
• Monday, December 29, 2025 From 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Tuesday, December 30, 2025 From 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, December 30, 2025 From 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, December 30, 2025 From 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM