Non Profit Food Rescue
with Our Volunteers Help

Food Finders rescued over 16 million pounds of food in 2021.

99% of that rescued food gets delivered immediately from the food donor location to one of our recipient agencies who prepares and distributes it within 24 hours to those in need.

Since we only have a small staff to cover four counties in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties) it is only through the efforts, commitment and passion of our volunteers that we are able to accomplish our mission.

Why Volunteer At Food Finders?

Volunteering is an American tradition that has made immeasurable contributions to communities, organizations, and individuals.

Your contribution of time and energy will help us continue to rescue edible foods–distributing them into the community to fight hunger and keeping them out of landfills to protect the magnificent beauty of our planet for future generations. As a volunteer, you will go home with a sense of pride at having participated in something worthwhile.

As part of Southern California’s magnificent beauty, Food Finders is deeply embedded in four counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles. You will join us in our mission to preserve the natural beauty around us and help take care of the people in our community by helping to nourish the families who have a need.

Individuals, families, businesses, and organized groups are welcome to volunteer. Many opportunities are available for persons who are ready and able to devote their time to the process of food rescue–with options for short-term and long-term commitments. Volunteering with Food Finders can be challenging and rewarding–we want you to make this a cherished part of your life.

What are the benefits of being a volunteer?

  • You get to meet new people with the same interests.
  • You get to learn about food waste and its impacts on our environment and understand the benefits of repurposing good food into meals delivered to the food insecure communities surrounding us all.
  • We offer free training and support for any aspect of the work we do and the process of picking up and delivering rescued food.
  • Best of all, you get to be outside and interact and learn about the many non-profits in our community devoted to all of us in Southern California.
  • Food Finder’s volunteers are not direct employees, but we ask that you fill in a simple application and get the guidance and training needed for the opportunities you wish to be included. Although volunteers contribute their services without pay, they may deduct out-of-pocket expenses on income tax returns within limits set by tax laws. Please consult a tax representative to determine if you can deduct car mileage expenses incurred from volunteer work. Learn more

You can be a part of this important work! Click one of the buttons below.

If you have questions about volunteering, contact Carly Bragg cbragg@foodfinders.org  or call (562) 283-1400 x 113

After Hours Call or Text: (562) 233 – 3247

How To Become A Food Finders Volunteer

Step 01: Fill in the Volunteer Application

Step 02: Our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you and get you started.

Step 03: You will download the Food Finders App

Step 04: You will choose the routes and schedule or help with a project

Step 05: Now you are a food rescue hero!!

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VOLUNTEERING

Corporate volunteerism is a workplace-supported initiative that enables and encourages employees to participate in and volunteer their time and resources to give back to the community. Food Finders offers an opportunity for teams to have fun sorting and packing donated foods to help in our operations.

Sapphire Technologies came to the Food Finder’s warehouse to help us pack up Food 4 Kids bags during the last few weeks of school before the holidays.  These bags would be delivered to 22 schools, providing critical weekend meals.

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Volunteer FAQ

How do I signup to volunteer?

To become a volunteer, please fill out our volunteer application which can be found here, or reach out to Carly Bragg cbragg@foodfinders.org  or call (562) 283-1400 x 113

Can I walk into your warehouse and begin volunteering?

All volunteer sessions will need to be scheduled ahead of time. At this time, we are not allowing walk-ins. Please contact Carly Bragg cbragg@foodfinders.org  or call (562) 283-1400 x 113

Will I receive any training before I begin volunteering?

Upon signing up, you will be given all of our training materials to review. However, would like to receive in-depth training, please contact Carly Bragg cbragg@foodfinders.org  or call (562) 283-1400 x 113

Can I volunteer just once or will I need to commit to a schedule?

You are free to volunteer as often or as little as you would like. There is no set schedule required. Carly Bragg cbragg@foodfinders.org  or call (562) 283-1400 x 113

Is there an age requirement to volunteer?

Although we don’t have an age requirement to volunteer, anyone under the age of 16 must have a parent or guardian present with them during their volunteer opportunity.

Is there an age requirement to volunteer for Food Rescues?

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate in our Food Rescue program. However, the driver must have a valid driver’s license and valid vehicle insurance.

What is a “Food Rescue”?

A Food Rescue is the pick-up and delivery of food donations from a food donor to a nonprofit partner agency.

Do I need a large vehicle for food rescues?

No, a large vehicle is not required to participate in our Food Rescue Program. Our Food Finders App will indicate the volume of each food donation to help ensure your vehicle has the capacity to hold the donation.

What volunteer opportunities does Food Finders offer?

Food Finders offers a variety of ways for volunteers to contribute to our organization.

Food Rescue Volunteers: These volunteer’s role is the rescue surplus food from restaurants, supermarkets, and other food businesses and drop off those donations to a charity in need. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to spend an hour or two daily, weekly, or spontaneously when you have time. You will need to have access to a car for this opportunity.

Office Volunteers: Do you have a background in office or clerical work? We’re always looking for people to help us with database cleanup, digital thank you’s, donor and recipient agency phone calls, and other related office work. We can provide the technology if you provide the knowledge, what do you say?

Warehouse Volunteers: Help us sort and organize food donations in our warehouse for distribution. This is a great opportunity for groups, students, families, or individuals.

Food4Kids Volunteers: Deliver bags or totes of non-perishable food items to local Long Beach schools weekly. You will be assigned a school and a certain amount of bags to drop off at a specified location each week.

If I run into a problem on a Food Rescue, who can I contact?

Please contact Carly Bragg cbragg@foodfinders.org  or call (562) 283-1400 x 113

Will I receive a verification of my volunteer hours or if I am doing community service hours?

Yes, Food Finders is happy to sign off on any required service hours once completed. A verification letter can also be made available upon request.