Volunteer with us
You can make a real difference in the fight against poverty.
There are over 28,000 volunteers across the Trussell Trust network. Without these amazing volunteers, food banks in the Trussell Trust network simply wouldn’t exist – and the hundreds of thousands of people in crisis they help each year wouldn’t receive the support they need. Our vision is for a future without the need for food banks, because everyone has enough money to buy their own food. You can play a role in helping us achieve this goal.
Volunteer Opportunities
Whether you want to commit a few days a week or a few hours a month, your support can make a real difference. Find out more about our current volunteering opportunities and sign up to roles where you live.
If there aren’t any results in your immediate area please consider extending the search area if you are able to support a little bit further away. Thank you!
Anthony
“I had occasion to need the food bank myself a few years ago and decided to repay them by bringing a tray of canned tomatoes to donate, as well as asking if they needed volunteers – to which they quickly replied yes! I have found it an enjoyable and rewarding experience. I know a bit of bad luck can happen to anyone and you can see what a great help food banks are to those in need.”
Volunteering FAQs
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about volunteering with the Trussell Trust and the food banks in our network. If your question isn’t answered or you need more information, please email [email protected]
You can find current opportunities in your area using the link above. Alternatively, you can use the find a food bank map to contact you food bank directly and find out more about how you can help. Please note that the majority of food banks are at capacity and unable to take on any new volunteers.
There are lots of ways you can help us end the need for food banks in the UK. You can sign up to our Social Media role to be a voice for change online or become a Time for Trussell volunteer, giving your time from home taking part in tasks like organising a food collection. You can also give your support by signing up for our latest campaign helping us push for long-term change.
At certain times of year, food banks can be extremely busy. Many rely heavily or wholly on volunteers with only one or two members of staff.
If you haven’t heard back within a few weeks, please forward your email to [email protected]. The central volunteering team will try to get in touch with the food bank for you.
Every volunteer has a main contact either at the Trussell Trust or at their local food bank. They will help induct you into your role, answer any questions you have, and support you if there are any problems.
You’ll get training that is relevant to your role. This may be delivered internally at the food bank, or may involve going on an external course e.g. on food hygiene.
Your local food bank may or may not have its own expenses policy. Please check with them directly before you start volunteering.
If you’re receiving benefits, including means-tested benefits, you can volunteer for as many hours as you want as long as you continue to meet the rules or conditions of getting that benefit.
For example, if you’re receiving Jobseekers’ Allowance, you can volunteer as long as you meet the conditions of your claim (e.g. remain available for and actively seeking a full-time paid job). If you’re receiving Carers’ Allowance, you need to continue to provide at least 35 hours a week of care to the person who is receiving the disability benefit. For Jobseekers’ Allowance, Carers’Allowance, and Income Support, you should inform the Jobcentre that you are volunteering.
For most roles, volunteers need to be over 18. There might be circumstances where volunteers under 18 might be able to take part (e.g. while completing a Duke of Edinburgh award). Please check with your local food bank first.
Volunteers under 18 must receive parental permission before starting their role.
A criminal record doesn’t necessarily prevent you from volunteering, but we’ll need to make an assessment of any risks, both to you and to others. The nature of the offence, how long ago it was committed, and its relevance to the volunteering role will be considered alongside what support and reasonable measures can be offered to you.
We are committed to embracing diversity and promoting equality and inclusion. As a volunteer, you can expect to be treated fairly regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, parental or marital status, disability, religion, colour, race, ethnic or national origins, or socio-economic background. If you have any health conditions or additional needs that might impact your volunteering, please let us know so that we can provide the support you need for your role.