Individual Volunteers

Thank you for choosing to volunteer with Good Shepherd Food Bank!  We are excited to have you join us in our mission to end hunger in Maine.

Background

In 1981, Joann Pike, the founder of Good Shepherd Food Bank, began collecting food in her home after reading about food insecurity and food waste throughout the country.  Twenty years later, her food pantry grew to become the food bank for the entire state of Maine. Today, after a series of growth spurts, the food bank operates from a 53,000 sq. ft.  Auburn facility, and a 40,000 sq. ft. Hampden facility, serving nearly 600 partner agencies to supply them with the food they need for their programs and their communities.

View the full history on our website: https://www.gsfb.org/about-us/history/

What is a Food Bank?

Food banks provide a central location for the receipt of donated and purchased food for distribution to local nonprofits in their communities. Food banks do not conduct direct distribution to individuals in communities, except in some cases.

Good Shepherd Food Bank is the largest distributor of food to communities in Maine with nearly 600 partner agencies.  We are one of 200 partners of Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief organization in America.

Our Mission and You

The mission of Good Shepherd Food Bank is to eliminate hunger in Maine by improving access to nutritious food for people in need, building strong community partnerships, and mobilizing the public in the fight to end hunger.

Volunteers like you help us with this mission by giving your time and becoming an ambassador for Good Shepherd Food Bank.  We have several opportunities for you to get involved.

Volunteer Opportunities

Do you have a special skill that you would like to share with the Food Bank?  Please email volunteer@gsfb.org and we will work to match you with an opportunity when one becomes available.

What to Expect

Tracking Hours
We utilize volunteer management software to track all volunteer hours. In our distribution centers, we have a tablet that you will use to sign in and out. For all other opportunities, we will communicate with you how you should track your hours.

What to Bring

  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Mask
  • A water bottle
  • A sweatshirt or jacket in case it’s cool

What We Provide

  • Gloves (for distribution center opportunities)
  • Class Materials (for Cooking Matters)
  • Training for your task

Expectations

  • Sign up for shifts no later than 3 p.m. the day before.
  • Inform the volunteer coordinator if you can no longer make your shift.
  • Review the volunteer handbook.
  • Review our safety guidelines.

Weather
In the event of inclement weather, please prioritize your safety and use good judgment. If you do not feel safe traveling to the Food Bank, please cancel your shift on the volunteer database. If you will be missing your shift on short notice, additionally, please notify the Volunteer Engagement Team.

In some cases, Good Shepherd Food Bank may close any or all facilities due to inclement weather. Any closings will be announced on all major news stations and their websites, WMTW, WCSH NEWS CENTER Maine, WGME, or WABI. You may also check the Good Shepherd Food Bank social media accounts, Facebook, Twitter @FeedingMaine, and Instagram @FeedingMaine.

Questions?

Contact us at Volunteer@GSFB.org.

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