University District Food Bank

Volunteers make all that we do at the University District Food Bank possible! Every month, our volunteers donate over 1,600 hours of their time.

Volunteers assist with customer check-in, bag up groceries after customers go shopping, restock shelves, help unload trucks, repackage bulk items, sort through donations, pick-up food from area stores and serve on our Board of Directors.

Volunteer opportunities are available most weekdays we are open to distribute food, including Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and occasionally on weekends.

Want to start? Call or email the Food Bank at (206) 523-7060 or jessicaudistrictfoodbank.org

Current Opportunities

Pick-up Donations

Help us pick-up donations from nearby businesses. We are recruiting for morning pick-ups during the weekday and a Saturday afternoon shift as well. Weekday pickups are easy enough in a passenger car. A station wagon or truck is preferred for the Saturday opportunity.

Contact Kailin in the food bank at (206)523-7060 or by email at kailinudistrictfoodbank.org if you can help or if you want more information.

Home Delivery Driver

We are looking for a dedicated, motivated individual to help us deliver food for our new home delivery program on Wednesday afternoons.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Drive vehicle to multiple destinations to make deliveries
• Make accurate and appropriate distribution of donated goods while adhering to a prescribed timetable
• Load/Unload grocery packages
• Communicate with customers to confirm / determine needs or modifications, and report to Program Coordinator
• Excellent communications needed

Successful candidates will have any of the following qualifications:
• Licensed, insured driver with clean driving record
• Use of reliable vehicle (volunteer drivers will use own vehicles); air-conditioning preferred
• Successful pass of Washington State Patrol Background Check
• Must be able to lift 25-30 pounds
• Desire to help the community
• Upbeat energetic personality & enthusiasm
• Ability to work independently in a constantly evolving environment
• Prior work experience with non-profit or social service agencies desired

Interested? Contact Jessica in the food bank at (206)523-7060 or by email at jessicaudistrictfoodbank.org.

Sorting donations and distributing food

Help us distribute healthy food to the 1000+ families who visit us each week. Our volunteers sort donations, repackage bulk food into family-sized portions, help our customers shop for their groceries, restock our shelves, bag up customer groceries and clean-up at the end of the day.

Volunteer opportunities are currently limited but might include service during one of these windows of time:

Monday 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Tuesday 2:30 pm - 8:15 pm

Wednesday 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Thursday 8:30 am - Noon (unloading trucks + sorting donations only)

Thursday 2:30 pm - 8:15 pm

Fridays 9:30 am - 4:00pm

Organize a food drive

About 80% of the food distributed by the University District Food Bank is donated by local businesses, churches, schools, neighborhoods, and individuals. Organize a food drive at your place of work or even at your favorite neighborhood coffee shop. We have all the materials you need for a successful food drive.

PCC Repack Nights

Every other month, the PCC Natural Market in View Ridge donates a large amount of bulk food through their Food Bank Program. Then, volunteers from the neighborhood come to the food bank and repackage these bulk purchases into family friendly portions. We'd love to have you help out. It's very easy to do, only two hours long, in the evening after work and very family friendly!

Repackaging dates and signup information can be found on the PCC website at www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/community/events/vr.html