The Richmond Emergency Food Pantry runs entirely on the generosity of volunteers, donors, and partners. Your time, talent, or gift directly helps feed local families.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the heart of the Pantry. Every bag of groceries we distribute is touched by a volunteer – whether you can give us a few hours or a few days each month, your time makes a difference.
Volunteer Roles
- Early Morning / Set-Up: unloading trucks, stocking shelves
- Packing & Distribution: Assemble grocery bags and assist during pantry hours
- Intake & Registration: Greet, register, and check in clients
- Drivers: Pick up donated food from local partners
- Recycling: Break down boxes and take overflow to recycling center
You can also complete community service hours with the Pantry.
Shifts & Guidelines
- Tuesdays & Fridays: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (set-up, packing, distribution, clean-up)
- Other Opportunities: Recycling and arranged cleaning
- Age: Must be 18+ to volunteer on-site (occasionally minors may help with a supervising adult)
- Physical: Ability to lift 25-50 lbs is helpful but not required for all positions
Accessibility accommodations available – let us know how we can help.
Donate
Every dollar feeds our neighbors. As a 100% volunteer-run organization, nearly every dollar goes directly to food operations – stocking shelves, filling grocery bags, and bringing comfort to thousands of families.
Ways to Give
- By Mail: Send a check payable to Richmond Emergency Food Pantry
P.O. Box 2598, El Cerrito, CA 94530 - Online Donations: Donate securely via Paypal.
REFP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Federal Tax ID #68-0106944.
What our volunteers say
Hear from a few of the neighbors who help keep the Pantry running every week.
I feel it is important to strive to improve life situations for my fellow community members and working as part of a team at the Pantry focuses my intentions and multiplies my efforts. I find encouragement and fellowship from my fellow Board members.
SS
Susie Stanley
Board Member
I am glad to be one part of this all volunteer team directly assembling and distributing food each week. I find it rewarding to work alongside volunteers from all over our community with the common goal to offer tangible support to others. Through REFP we have a chance to come together and to make connections strengthening our community.
JJ
Jennifer
Volunteer of 12 years
REFP is an amazing place. Our clients come from all walks of life and are truly a cross section of the Bay Area: employed and unemployed, older and young, families and single persons. Our entire team hustles together, twice weekly for no pay, to help out our neighbors.
BK
Ben Kellman
Board Member
Get in touch
Don’t hesitate to reach out to begin your journey or ask any questions. We’re ready to assist and look forward to connecting with you soon.