Volunteer to
Make a Difference

Lend a hand, change a life — one meal at a time.
Sign Up

Together our volunteers pack more than 110,000 boxes monthly.

Find the Right Volunteer Opportunity for You

Individuals and Families

Join us solo or bring your family for a hands-on way to give back.
Sign Up

Corporate Groups

Strengthen your team while supporting the community.
Send Us an Email

Court-Ordered

Fulfilling your service hours while making a meaningful impact.
Call Us at 602.343.3135

Step Into Action: Volunteer Activities

Explore a variety of volunteer opportunities to help fight hunger.

Phoenix Emergency Food Box Packing

Assemble up to 1,400 emergency food boxes in a 2-hour shift, helping families, seniors, and children in need across Arizona. This opportunity is great for individuals, families, students, and teams.

Phoenix Distribution

Assist in serving 1,000–1,200 families daily by loading food into shopping carts, helping at curbside pickup, and packing fresh produce.

Surprise Warehouse and Distribution

Help serve 400–500 families each day by sorting food, packing Kids Cafe meals, and ensuring families receive nutritious meals.

Mobile Distribution

Assist with walk-up community food distribution by packing food, loading carts, helping neighbors transport their groceries, and maintaining a clean workspace.

What to Know Before You Go

Essential information to help you prepare for a successful volunteer experience.

Age Requirements

Volunteers must be at least 12 years old with an adult or 16 years old without an adult.

Dress Code

Closed-toe shoes (sneakers or boots) are required. Sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, flats, or open-toe shoes are not permitted. Shirts must have sleeves — tank tops are not permitted. Gloves are optional but recommended, as you may be handling cardboard and other materials.

What to Know Before You Go

Essential information to help you prepare for a successful volunteer experience.

Age Requirements

Volunteers must be at least 12 years old with an adult or 16 years old without an adult.

Dress Code

Closed-toe shoes (sneakers or boots) are required. No sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, flats, or open-toe shoes. Shirts must have sleeves — tank tops are not allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I volunteer?

Volunteers can serve at our Phoenix and Surprise locations, as well as through our Mobile Distribution events.

Volunteer shifts at the Phoenix and Surprise locations typically last between two to three hours, while mobile distribution shifts range from three to five hours.

For Emergency Food Box Packing, arrive 15 minutes before your shift. For Mobile and Neighbor Distribution, arrive 10 minutes before your shift.

We provide water for all volunteers during their shifts. Other food and beverages are not allowed in designated work areas.

Parking options vary based on your volunteering location.

  • Phoenix Emergency Food Box Packing: Park at 2831 N 31st Ave and follow the volunteer directional signs.
  • Phoenix Distribution: Park in front of the building 3131 West Thomas Road, Phoenix, 85017. If cones block the entrance, let staff know you are volunteering. Overflow parking is available across the street at 2831 N 31st Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009.
  • Surprise Warehouse and Distribution: Park in front of 13050 W Elm St, Surprise, AZ 85378.
  • Mobile Distribution: Parking details provided upon sign-up.

We encourage volunteers to leave personal items at home. If needed, lockers are available for storage during your shift.

If you are an individual or family, follow these steps:

  1. Visit stmarysfb.org/volunteer to explore opportunities.
  2. Create an account on our volunteer portal to sign up for shifts.
  3. Sign up for your desired shift based on location and activity.

For corporate groups, please reach out via email at [email protected].
For court-ordered volunteers, call 602.343.3135 to discuss available opportunities.

Check in on our tablets upon arrival. If you have paperwork that needs to be signed, our Volunteer Engagement team will assist you after your shift.

Inspired to Serve – Hear from Our Volunteers

"As a retired nurse, I have always felt a calling to help and care for those in need," said Janet. "I couldn't think of a more deserving place for my time than St. Mary's. People need food; it's such a basic necessity."
Janet
Janet
“We see 1,200 cars in a single day and when you multiply that by a week or a month, it’s mind-boggling how many people need help – and so rewarding to be part of the solution when they go home with a grocery cart loaded with great food,” Steve said.
Steve
Steve
“I like helping the community, I like the people that I volunteer with. I see a lot of the same people all the time – they’re good people. Very nice. You don’t realize how great the need is until you do this.”
Leslie
Leslie
“I chose to volunteer at St. Mary’s because it is well known by the community and where I feel like I can make the most direct impact.”
Gannon
Gannon

More Ways to Make an Impact

Looking for other ways to support St. Mary’s Food Bank? Here are a few ways you can help.

Food and Fund Drives

Get the Details

Upcoming Events

Get the Details

Cause Marketing

Get the Details

Need Help?

If you have any questions or need assistance, we’re here to help you get started.

Contact Us