Kitchen Collective Volunteer

Since 1987, the Redwood Empire Food Bank has been feeding our neighbors in need and leading the community to end hunger. We distribute food through our own programs and our partner organizations in Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties. We work on the front lines of food assistance in our region playing a crucial role in helping individuals, families, seniors, and children.

Join us in the fight to End Hunger in Our Community! Your time and effort help provide nutritious food to 142,000 individuals in need. Your support makes a meaningful impact—thank you for being part of this vital work!

As a Kitchen Collective Volunteer, you'll work closely with Chef Don Nolan to create snacks that can be consumed on-the-spot for those picking up groceries at our distribution sites. We currently offer two shifts a day, Monday through Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. To learn more about this opportunity, watch our Kitchen Collective Volunteer & Safety Guidelines video.

How to Sign Up:

Email your California Food Handlers card to lberry@refb.org to receive the special link to sign up for the Kitchen Collective volunteer shifts. 

Volunteer Requirements:

• California Food Handlers Card – Required to participate (No prior kitchen experience needed!)

• Wearing sturdy, closed-toed shoes is required. Crocs and slip-on styles are not permitted.

• Must be at least 15 years old

• Respect & Kindness – A positive, inclusive environment is essential

• Health & Safety – If you are sick or have been exposed to illness, please do not volunteer

• Volunteers must be able to stand the entire time, read labels carefully, follow safety guidelines, and work independently.

Volunteer Shift Registration & What to Expect:

• All volunteers must register individually before their shift and be at least 15 years old

• To be fully prepared, we require all volunteers to review our Volunteer Handbook, which covers key details, policies, and FAQs.

• We value respect, fairness, and kindness—negative remarks or harassment will not be tolerated.

• Health & Safety – If you are sick or have been exposed to illness, please do not volunteer

• Tracking your hours? Visit our Verifying Hours page for step-by-step instructions.

• Closed-toed shoes are required. We also recommend bringing a water bottle.

Questions?

For more information, contact the Volunteer Team at volunteers@refb.org or (707) 523-7905. Our priority is to feed the community while creating a great volunteer experience. If you are unable to attend, please let us know at least 24 hours before your scheduled shift.