Volunteer Your Time and Make a Difference in Your Community

Volunteers are essential to Our Neighbors' Table's efforts to create a food secure region. ONT could not function without our volunteer team!

Volunteering at ONT looks a little different during the current health crisis. Due to COVID-19, ONT has adjusted our volunteer shifts to have the least amount of individuals possible in the building to comply with public health guidelines. We are also using consistent volunteer teams each week to minimize the risk of exposure.

We do not have any immediate openings for recurring, weekly volunteer shifts, but we are recruiting for new volunteers to fill in for current volunteers on occasion or to replace volunteer teams should anyone become infected by the virus. If you are interested in helping, please fill out the volunteer application. After filling out the application, you will be contacted to attend a Virtual Volunteer Orientation that takes place via Zoom.

Please note that at this time due to COVID-19, we have had to limit volunteer opportunities to those age 16 and above. If you have any questions about the volunteer process or our current COVID-19 response, please email Melanie.  
ONT Health & Safety Protocols for Volunteers
ONT is complying with the latest public health guidelines to ensure safety of volunteers and guests. Our programs allow our volunteers to maintain the recommended 6 foot distance, all volunteers and staff are required to wear masks, and hand washing and sanitizing stations are readily available for everyone in the building. We ask that all active volunteers continue to follow public health guidelines when they are not at ONT for the safety of each other and our guests. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age requirement for volunteering?
Due to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, current volunteer opportunities are for those who are 16 and over.
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When regular operations resume:
  • Ages 15 and above may volunteer with our Meal and Grocery programs.
  • Those under 15 may volunteer for some shifts if they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
  • Groups and families with children age 8 or up may help with special family friendly projects including sorting food or assembling gifts and grocery bags.
can my children volunteer?
There are lots of creative ways through which children of all ages can help Our Neighbors' Table in the fight against hunger.  Common projects offered for groups with children age 8 years and up include: assembling Easter baskets, sorting food donated through a local food drive, or hosting a Virtual Food Drive. 
how can younger children help?
There are creative ways that younger children can help at home or in the classroom. They can collect food or monetary donations around their neighborhood via Fill 'Em Up Bags, decorate bags used for children's Snack Packs, or decorate place mats used for the Wednesday Meal.
For children age 4-10 years, ONT offers WEE Can Help! These special slots get young kids right in the action restocking our market on Wednesday afternoons, 4:00-5:00pm. To participate in WEE Can Help, please complete the volunteer application with the parent/adult information so we can schedule you for a volunteer orientation. We ask parents to complete a volunteer orientation prior to signing up for your first shift. You and your child will be interacting with our guests and other volunteers so we want to make sure you are properly prepared. Unfortunately WEE Can Help has been put on hold to due COVID-19 but we look forward to resuming this popular family activity when it is safe to do so!
Are there opportunities for groups to volunteer?
There are many opportunities for individuals and groups alike during normal operations. Common group projects include serving a Wednesday Meal, assisting guests at the Market, and sorting donated food items. However at this time due to COVID-19 health concerns, we do not have any in-person volunteer opportunities for groups. 
Will volunteering satisfy my community service requirements?
Yes! Our Neighbors' Table is happy to host local students looking for community service projects to satisfy their school's graduation requirements. We encourage you to plan ahead and contact us as soon as possible as it may take you several weeks to earn enough hours.
Are diversion and probation candidates able to volunteer?
Absolutely. We've done a lot of work with diversion and probation candidates and are happy to track and report volunteer hours.
Interested in getting involved? Contact us today.