Volunteer

Our volunteers prepare food at our warehouse so that it can go to our hundreds of partners. They also help us distribute food at tailgates, and get to provide aid directly to hundreds of neighbors in the process. Without a strong backbone of kind-hearted volunteers, Second Harvest wouldn’t be the well-oiled machine it is today—your contribution, no matter the scale, is vital.

Finding a way to volunteer is easy with Givepulse. This software allows you to find a time and location that work for you. Start by finding a volunteer opportunity on the calendar below or visit our profile on Givepulse using the button below.

Welcome to Second Harvest, new volunteer!

We’re so glad you chose to volunteer with us! Finding your ideal way to help out is easy with Givepulse. GivePulse is our Volunteer Management System that we use to schedule volunteer opportunities and track volunteer hours. We also use it to communicate with volunteers, sign up for volunteer opportunities, receive feedback and track waivers. If you register for a shift, it will also remind you of the upcoming shift. Start by finding a volunteer opportunity on the calendars in the other tabs.

View our Givepulse Profile

How to Create an Account

How to Register

Our warehouse is where we process donated and purchased food that is utilized by over 200 partners across our service area. Our main focus is packing pre-made bags for drive-thru distribution and sorting fresh produce. If we complete all orders and sorting, there may be additional tasks.

We have mobile distributions in every county we serve – these let us bring food to places that might not have a nearby pantry. They also allow us to distribute bulk food in a hurry. Lifting all that food can also be a great way to get some exercise. If you see a mobile distribution near you, you’re welcome to sign up!

Sometimes we have shifts for special projects, including remote volunteer opportunities. If you have special skills that can help out, sign up below or let us know what you can do – maybe we can find something to match your talents!

Volunteer as a Group

Our volunteers contribute so much as individuals, and when we work together it’s amazing to see what we can accomplish. This kitchen can never have too many cooks—if you’re part of a group that wants to make a positive impact together, sign up to volunteer as a group!

Volunteer as a Group!

Lend your Unique Skills!

Do you have a skill or certification that you think would be particularly beneficial to our cause? Let us know, and we can factor you into a task that makes use of it! We love to showcase our volunteers’ unique abilities and welcome the contribution of your expertise.

Share your Talents!

TESTIMONIALS

As always working at the food bank is fun and better than sitting in a classroom. Tomatoes were the order of the day and washing them was honestly very relaxing.

Dylan, In-House Volunteer

These tailgates are such a great way to impact hundreds, if not thousands, of people in a short amount of time. I really appreciate the positive and collective culture among the volunteers!

Victoria, Tailgate Volunteer

I volunteer here for class every Tuesday already, I had such a good time that I stayed longer than I originally signed up for. Once you get going on a project you want to finish it.

Katherine, In-House Volunteer

The staff were very welcoming to any volunteer walking in and were very familiar with Ball State students as well. They give you a tour of the facility before unpackaging/sorting through the foods. Highly recommended to get community hours conveniently.

Dakota, In-House Volunteer

This was such a fun and unique experience. I got to meet so many really great people and it was even better because I had been planning this event with another sorority this whole semester. Although it was raining, the people I worked with made it a bright spot in my day!

Mildred, Tailgate Volunteer

[My friend] and I created positive notes and gave 2 boxes of flowers to Bethel Pointe Rehabilitation Center. We also gave out flowers during our student group’s donation rive, walked around campus, and went through resident halls, giving out flowers to hopefully brighten someone’s day.

Isabella, Bouquet Brigadier

I’ve never looked for recipes based on what the ingredients were solely because that all that was available. This was an eye-opening experience that helped me realize how grateful I should be for what I have. Also, I was happy to know there are many ways to help others even online.

Emma, Remote Volunteer

I may not be a morning person, but I feel so glad to have participated in these tailgates. The thought of knowing I’ve helped someone makes my day. Finding how I can flow with the group and learn how to coordinate better with others was really fun.

Raesan, Tailgate Volunteer

I had a great time volunteering at Second Harvest yesterday, two of my other brothers and I packaged potatoes for 2 hours. Lambda Chi Alpha’s national philanthropy is Feeding America, so giving my time at a food bank is my favorite way to get hours.

Bryce, Lambda Chi Alpha

We’ve had more school staff say they feel grateful to be helping with this program and look forward to each month to connect with our school families.

Tracy Young, Teacher, Wilbur Wright