Make a difference in your community
The Bowie Food Pantry relies on dedicated volunteers to help us serve qualifying residents of Prince George’s County with dignity, compassion and efficiency. Our volunteers are the heart of our organization, contributing hundreds of hours each month to ensure our neighbors have access to nutritious food and essential resources.
All Volunteers must be 16 years or older. Volunteers under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or a guardian.
Volunteer Commitment
Most of our volunteer opportunities are considered long-term positions. We invest time into training and onboarding volunteers, so we ask applicants to be prepared for one of the following commitments:
-Once per week for a two-hour shift for a year
-Twice a month for a two-hour shift for a year
In addition to our long-term volunteer opportunities, we occasionally offer seasonal and short-term volunteering opportunities, particularly during holidays, large food drives, events and other special projects throughout the year.
Volunteer Process
To ensure that volunteering at the pantry is a good fit for both you and our organization, all prospective volunteers complete the following process:
- Initial inquiry and screening
- Pantry tour and information meeting
- Volunteer shadow day
- Orientation
- New volunteer paperwork to be completed
Why We Require Training
Because we handle food donations, serve vulnerable community members and operate in a fast-paced environment. All volunteers will receive a volunteer handbook.
Volunteer Positions
Volunteer openings are limited and not always available. The positions described below represent the types of volunteer opportunities that may become available throughout the year. If you are interested in volunteering, we encourage you to contact us to learn about current openings. The Following roles requires volunteers to:
-Work outdoors in various weather conditions
-Remain active and on their feet throughout the shift
-Lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
Donation Intake Volunteer (outdoor position):
-Greeting donors as they arrive
-Removing donated items from donor vehicles
-Transporting donations into the pantry
-Assisting with organizing incoming donations
-Gather Trash and Recycle
Stocking and Sorting Volunteer
-Sort incoming donations
-Check product dates and quality
-Stock shelves and organize inventory
-Help maintained a clean and orderly pantry
-Gather trash and recycle
-Assist with getting donations from donors
Interested in Volunteering? We welcome individuals who are dependable, compassionate and committed to serving their community. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the above positions, please contact us at 301-262-6765 or bowiefoodpantry.org.