Our Volunteers in Action
See how volunteers work to eliminate hunger in the state of Maine.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to give back. We rely on volunteers daily to help with essential tasks such as sorting and packing food donations, assisting with community cooking classes, administrative work, and more. Sign up today to join us.
New Volunteers
Complete a volunteer application to share your skills and find your next volunteer opportunity.
Returning Volunteers
Log in to schedule your next volunteer effort. We appreciate your continued support.
Groups
Volunteering is a great way to help the community and connect as a group of family, friends, teammates, or coworkers. Contact us at volunteer@gsfb.org to get started.
Court Referred Volunteers
We accept court referred volunteers if the charge is not related to an act of violence, sexual offense, crimes involving a minor, or weapons/firearms possession. The request to volunteer needs to be made at least four weeks before community hours are required. Please get in touch with the Volunteer Engagement Team at volunteer@gsfb.org for more information. If you complete a New Volunteer profile online and need court referred hours, your orientation date will be canceled until you are approved.
Our volunteer’s 2024 impact
17,210
Volunteer hours served
1.9m
Pounds of food sorted and inspected
39m
Meals provided to Mainers
6,637
CHHP boxes made and distributed
$525k
Equivalent of volunteers’ time
62,239
CSFP boxes made and distributed
Our valued volunteers are appreciated and recognized for their efforts
Our valued volunteers are appreciated and recognized for their efforts. We proudly honor our volunteers for their service through Apple Corps, our volunteer recognition and ambassador program. Volunteers are awarded based on the cumulative number of hours donated since 2021:
- Apple Blossom, donating over 25 hours
- Cortland, donating over 100 hours
- McIntosh, donating over 200 hours
- JoAnn Pike Volunteer Service Award honors volunteers who have acquired 500 hours of service
Volunteer Resources
Reference handbooks, view and download additional resources, watch informative videos, and get tips to help you make the most of your volunteering experience.
Give back for a fuller future
Volunteer with Us
From lending a hand in the food bank to teaching a nutrition-focused cooking class at your local community center, or advocating for change. Give back your way.
Volunteer with a Partner Agency
With over 600 partners in Maine, there are many opportunities to make a local impact. Find food pantries, meal sites, shelters, and more with our Food Map.
Make a Donation
Make a difference by supporting the Food Bank with the critical funds it needs to make an impact. Join Thrive 365, host a Virtual Food Drive, fundraise, and more!
The Volunteer Team
Meet our volunteer team.
Jane Clifford
Volunteer Engagement Manager
Jane Clifford, Volunteer Engagement Manager, joined Good Shepherd Food Bank in March 2020.
Prior to her role at the Food Bank, Jane managed marketing communications for businesses and worked in fundraising for non-profits in the Midwest. She had a brief but impactful opportunity to assist City Year in Manchester, New Hampshire—an organization dedicated to providing educational support to at-risk students through mobilizing AmeriCorps volunteers. Before that, she managed communications and development for a free medical clinic in Minnesota. Throughout much of Jane’s career and volunteer experiences, she consistently found herself engaged in work that directly addressed the critical issue of food insecurity.
Jane believes everyone should have equitable access to nutritious food and primary healthcare. Nine years ago, Jane and her husband decided to settle in Maine, drawn by its unique charm and a desire for new experiences, after raising their two children in the Midwest.
Jane is a certified yoga instructor, and in her free time, she enjoys running, tennis, and supporting local organic farmers.
Monica Hirschman
Monica Hirschman, volunteer engagement coordinator, joined Good Shepherd Food Bank in November 2024. A Maine native, Monica has always been dedicated to fostering meaningful connections within her community.
Prior to joining the Food Bank, Monica served as a Childcare Director, where she developed valuable leadership, program management, and relationship-building skills. Her experience in working with families and community partners has helped shape her approach to volunteer engagement.
Monica holds a bachelor’s degree in both English and Psychology, reflecting her commitment to understanding human behavior and creating opportunities for others to connect and contribute. She is especially excited to engage and inspire volunteers, helping them to support the Food Bank’s mission.
Outside of work, Monica enjoys visiting farmers’ markets, exploring local produce, and reading a wide range of books. She is also passionate about writing and storytelling, believing in its power to connect people and spark change.