Volunteer with the Pantry

We are always looking to add to our volunteer team! New volunteers are provided with orientation and mentoring.

We provide training for each of our volunteer opportunities, so you do not need any special background. Some tasks require specific skills, such as computer skills for entering records or ability to lift for unloading or arranging food in the warehouse. However, our only general requirement is a caring and positive attitude toward other volunteers and the families we serve.

volunteering for the first time?

Our volunteers keep the Pantry running smoothly by doing everything from bagging groceries, to stocking shelves, helping fundraise, and more.

We would love to have you join our team!

GET STARTED HERE

Volunteer opportunities

A unique opportunity for every volunteer.

For volunteering without attending volunteer orientation:

Open Volunteer Time

Join us on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month for a drop-in volunteer opportunity between 4-6 p.m. No training or experience is necessary or required, and family and friends are welcome. Open Volunteer shifts could consist of tasks like stocking food, sorting donations, light cleaning, repackaging of items, or anything else that the pantry may need help with. To sign up, please CLICK HERE and follow the sign-up instructions.

Open Garden Times

Want to help out in the Growing Together Garden? No experience or registration is necessary. Open Garden times are Tuesdays from 10 am - 12 pm, and Thursdays from 4 - 6 pm from May through September. Learn more about gardening, help with watering and weeding, harvest produce for the Pantry and even bring some home!

Volunteer roles available after attending volunteer orientation:

Working On-Shift During Shopping

On-shift volunteers help while we are open to the public for shopping. Tasks include greeting families, receiving food donations, bagging groceries for families, stocking shelves, among many other tasks.

Scheduled volunteer hours for On Shift are Monday-Thursday and Saturday from 9-12 p.m, and Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15-6:15 p.m.

Working Off-Shift

There are multiple opportunities to volunteer when the Pantry is closed. You can stock shelves between shifts or after we close for the night, help tidy up around the Pantry, shop pre-sacked groceries for out-of-area families, and more. This is a great opportunity if you need a flexible schedule with hours of your choosing.

Community Closet

Help distribute clothes to families at the Community Closet. These Volunteers assist families with finding clothing items and checking out. There are flexible roles like sorting clothes where volunteers sort, organize, and re-stock clothing items when we are closed to the public.

Scheduled volunteer hours for the Community Closet are Monday-Thursday and Saturday from 9:15 am -12 pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15 - 6:15 pm. Clothing Sorting is flexible outside of pantry operating hours.

Grocery Delivery

Grocery delivery is the fastest-growing program at the Pantry. Grocery deliveries are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 1-3 p.m. Volunteers help with shopping orders, bagging groceries, and delivering groceries to neighbors in North Liberty and parts of rural Johnson County. You are welcome to do just the shopping, just the driving, or both! Volunteer hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 12:30-3 p.m. The hours may change depending on what roles you are interested in.

Fundraising

Do you like administrative work and behind-the-scenes fundraising efforts? Volunteers can provide fundraising support by helping with data entry, record keeping, writing thank you notes, helping with mailing, and more! If you're interested in fundraising and development, contact Grace Katzer, the marketing and development coordinator.

Serving on Leadership Committees

In addition to our Board of Directors, we have six committees that oversee the operations and planning for the Pantry. Each takes on a different aspect of ensuring that the Pantry operates to its full potential. Committees meet monthly with times varying according to the schedules of committee members.

Operations Committee: Prepares for the day-to-day work of the Pantry and support tasks.
Finance Committee: Tracks donations, spending, and prepares the budget.
Volunteer Support Committee: Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to provide support for volunteers through planning appreciation events, brainstorming improvements to the volunteer experience, and finding creative ways to grow the volunteer base.
Fundraising and Marketing Committee: Helps link the Pantry to the community by fundraising and building awareness of our services
Garden Committee: works on programs for the Growing Together Garden including growing fresh produce, hosting cooking, preparation and preservation classes and encouraging community engagement in the garden
Grants Committee: identify funding opportunities and submit grant applications for the Pantry and its programs

Where is the Pantry?

The Pantry is currently located at 89 N. Jones Blvd. in North Liberty. We are opening a NEW building at 350 W. Penn St. in North Liberty on June 23, 2025. To learn more information, click "New Building" on our website.
How often can I come to the Pantry?

You can come as often as once in a calendar week (Monday through Saturday). You do not need to come on the same day each week. If you come on Monday, you can return as soon as the following Monday or any day after that. If you come in on Saturday, you can return as early as Monday.
How much food can I receive?

You can take as much as you need for the week. We have no limits on food, we just ask that everything fits into one cart per household. We are here to help you!
What if I don't have a current residence?

If you are currently unhoused or living with a friend or relative in our service area, you can still access our services.
Do you offer services other than food and clothing?

Yes, the Pantry provides laundry detergent, toilet paper, and toiletries when available. Birthday bags are available for children’s birthdays, and we occasionally have pet food. We also provide resources to other area services.
Do you offer financial assistance?

No, but we will try our best to direct you to where you can get the help you need.
What if I can't make it to the Pantry?

We recommend designating a friend, neighbor, or family member to pick up groceries for you. Anyone listed in your household can also shop for you. We also offer grocery delivery within our service area. Requests should be made by phone or online before noon on the day you’d like delivery. Deliveries are currently made on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Learn more about grocery delivery. If transportation is an issue, read more about the North Liberty Transportation Assistance Program, and see if they can help.
Are my records confidential?

Yes, all records are private and confidential and are not used for any other purpose.