Adult Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Requirements

On-site volunteers must be at least 18 years old, able to commit to the same four-to-five-hour shift or shifts each week, and capable of lifting 10–25 pounds. Reliability and consistency are essential to ensure shifts are properly staffed each week, while accommodating time off when needed. These roles are not intended for occasional or short-term volunteer support.

Volunteer opportunities are available during the following hours:

  • Monday: 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (+/-)
  • Tuesday (Restocking Day): 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (+/-)
  • Wednesday: 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (+/-)
  • Wednesday (Bi-Weekly Evening Hours): 2:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. (+/-)
  • Thursday: 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (+/-)
  • Friday: 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (+/-)

Become a Volunteer

Volunteers play a vital role in helping us serve the Cheshire community. Individuals interested in volunteering may complete and submit the Volunteer Application to info@cheshirefoodpantry.org.

Additional Information

We do not accept volunteers seeking to fulfill court-ordered community service requirements. The Cheshire Community Food Pantry reserves the right to conduct background checks on volunteer applicants.

Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Opportunities for Children and Teens

The Cheshire Community Food Pantry welcomes interest from children and teens who want to help address hunger in our community. While volunteer roles inside the Pantry are limited to adults age 18 and older, there are many meaningful, age-appropriate ways for youth to support our work.

All opportunities for those under 18 are listed below. Families and group leaders may contact us here to get started.

Guide for Kids to Help End Hunger in Cheshire

The Cheshire Community Food Pantry welcomes interest from children and teens who want to contribute. Projects can focus on raising funds or collecting food, which can be done individually or with friends, a school, or a community group.

Ways to Get Involved…

Hold a Fundraiser

  1. Choose an activity. Bake sale, lemonade stand, car wash, or small event.
  2. Set a goal. Decide how much you want to raise.
  3. Make a simple plan. List what you need, who will help, and the date and time.
  4. Price items clearly. Keep it simple and easy for people to participate.
  5. Promote the event. Use signs, messages to friends and family, or school channels.
  6. Run the event. Have an adult present if required.
  7. Count and record funds. Keep totals organized.
  8. Donate the proceeds to The Cheshire Community Food Pantry, Inc.

Host a Tag Sale

  1. Collect items from your home or ask friends and neighbors to contribute.
  2. Choose a date and backup rain date.
  3. Price items in advance.
  4. Advertise locally with signs or online posts.
  5. Run the sale and track earnings.
  6. Donate the proceeds to The Cheshire Community Food Pantry, Inc.

Organize a Food Drive

  • Decide what you are collecting. Check the Pantry’s current needs on Facebook or contact info@cheshirefoodpantry.org for suggestions. A clear focus makes it easier for people to give.
  • Set a goal and timeline. Pick a simple goal such as one full bin, 100 items, or a one-week drive. Shorter drives are easier to manage and promote.
  • Choose how donations will be collected. Pick one method or offer both:
  • Drop-off: Set up a labeled box or bin in a visible location such as your front porch or school. If you are using a school, business, or public space, get permission.
  • Pickup: Tell people a specific day and time range when you will collect from their homes or businesses.
  • Spread the word via handouts, social media, and word-of-mouth. Use a flyer, group message, or social post. Keep it simple.
  • Include only what people need to know: what to donate, start and end dates, and where to drop off or how to request pickup.
  • Prepare for pickups if offering this option. Ask neighbors to leave donations in a bag or box outside their door. Organize a route. Bring a friend or parent to help. Stick to the time window you gave.
  • Manage the collection if offering this option. Check bins daily so they do not overflow. Keep items dry and in a clean space. Discard expired items.
  • Schedule the drop-off at the Pantry. Contact the Pantry to arrange a good time to deliver donations.
  • Close the loop. Let participants know the results. A short message like “we collected 150 items” helps build interest for future drives.

Tours and Community Engagement

Youth groups are welcome to visit the Pantry or request a speaker to learn how it operates and how food insecurity affects local families. Group leaders may contact the Pantry to schedule a tour, plan a food drive, or invite the Pantry Director to speak at a school or civic event.