Volunteer
Want to get hands-on with packing fresh produce? Join us for a Produce Packing volunteer shift!
Interested in helping distribute fresh fruits and vegetables to our families? Volunteer with us at a Produce Distribution!
Click on your city below to find out when and where we need volunteers.
Austin
TO SIGN UP FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN AUSTIN.
Bakersfield
TO SIGN UP FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN BAKERSFIELD.
Dallas
TO SIGN UP FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN DALLAS.
Houston
TO SIGN UP FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN HOUSTON.
Las Cruces
TO SIGN UP FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN LAS CRUCES.
NYC
TO SIGN UP FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN NEW YORK CITY.
Phoenix
TO SIGN UP FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN PHOENIX.
Salinas
TO SIGN UP FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN SALINAS.
San Antonio
TO SIGN UP FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN SAN ANTONIO.
Southwest Florida
TO SIGN UP FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.
Washington, D.C.
TO SIGN UP FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
What will I do as a volunteer?
Click to see what the volunteer experience may look like at Brighter Bites
During Produce Packing, your role as a volunteer may include:
- Setting up tables in assembly line format and ensuring work surfaces are clean
- Unloading and carrying cases of fruits and vegetables (weighing up to 50 pounds) from the pallet to the boxing area
- Sorting through produce to identify and discard spoiled items
- Placing fruits and vegetables into the Brighter Bites boxes/bags
- Breaking down boxes and cleaning tables and floors during and after the packing process
During Produce Distribution, your role as a volunteer may include:
- Providing a warm, welcoming, and fun environment for parents and children
- Distributing boxes/bags into the cars and moving pallets
- Tracking and checking in families
- Directing traffic
- Set up and break down of tents/tables
- Adding handouts/materials/stickers to the boxes
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Click on the link above for the city in which you would like to volunteer. You will see the city’s event listing page. When you find an event you would like to attend, click on it. Then, the page will direct you to create a volunteer profile in order to sign up for the event.
Who do I reach out to if I want to inquire about corporate volunteer opportunities?
For corporate volunteer opportunities and more please reach out to Special Projects Manager Melanie Button.
Do I need to bring ID?
Yes. Please bring a valid government-issued photo identification. You will need to sign-in with your ID at the front office of the site before coming to the Brighter Bites volunteer location at the site.
Do I need a background check?
Each school district and site is different. You will see information about specific requirements for each volunteer opportunity in the details of each event.
Are there age restrictions?
Children under the age of 16 are allowed on site, but they cannot play in or around the work area in order to prevent injuries. Please keep an eye on your children at all times.
What should I wear?
Please wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty.
If I need special accommodations, may I still participate?
Yes! We have tasks for everyone. Please let a Brighter Bites staff member know if you need special accommodations.
What do I do when I arrive at the site?
Check in at the front office with your photo ID. Then go to the Brighter Bites volunteer location to check in with Brighter Bites staff.
How long will my volunteer experience take?
The duration of our volunteer opportunities depends on the number of volunteers who attend the event. When you register, you will see the approximate length of the volunteer event indicated in the description.
Can I bring a friend?
The more the merrier! Remember, all volunteers must sign up through the link above.
If I am unable to attend the shift I registered for, do I need to let someone know?
Yes, please use the Cancel my registration button in the registration confirmation email you received, or log in to your volunteer profile to cancel your registration.
If I want to volunteer again, do I need to sign up again?
Yes. Please sign up online for each volunteer shift you would like to attend.
Whom should I contact to give feedback on my experience?
Please send an email to volunteer@brighterbites.net with your feedback.
Can I choose to volunteer at a site close to where I live?
Yes! Once you click on your city link on our volunteer page, you will be able to see our locations on a calendar or search by zip code, site name, date, time of day, etc. by clicking on Show Calendar or Search Events by Interest, Location, Date or Keyword.
Can I still volunteer if I don't have a car?
Many of our sites are located within close proximity to public transportation. View our locations in the calendar view or search locations by zip code, and refer to your local public transit website for the closest means of public transportation.
Can I still volunteer if English is not my first language?
Yes, we welcome all volunteers!
Do you have volunteer opportunities after school hours or on weekends?
Most of our volunteer opportunities take place during school hours. However, some of our cities do have volunteer opportunities on the weekends. Once you click on your city link on our volunteer page, you will be able to search our opportunities by day of the week, time of day, etc.
Can I get confirmation of my volunteer service?
Yes. Please bring any paperwork that you need signed by Brighter Bites staff to the site during your shift. You can also print a verified summary of your service hours including dates and total time through your volunteer profile!
Can I take home produce?
Brighter Bites volunteers are sometimes parents of children in the Brighter Bites program, so they are allowed to take home their produce after volunteering. It is possible that volunteers who are associated with the school and community may also be offered complimentary produce. Volunteers who are not affiliated with the school, such as volunteers from another organization, corporation, or company, may not receive produce.