Volunteer opportunities following Hurricane Helene are now available. For safety purposes, we ask volunteers to please sign up online rather than arriving at either location without registering first. Volunteers must be 18 and older to serve at this time

STEP 1: Create a volunteer profile.

STEP 2: Watch our videos and read through the volunteer handbook at your convenience.

STEP 3: Register for our Virtual Volunteer Orientation. Orientations are now required by everyone in order to volunteer at MANNA. They are being offered on a bi-weekly basis and will take approximately 30-45 minutes of your time.

Please note: The below information is from prior to the hurricane.

Join the Work of Ending Hunger in WNC.

Most mornings and afternoons are a busy time at MANNA. Volunteers gather to sort and pack the food donations that come through our doors. From bins of apples straight from the orchard to 2,000-pound totes of rice, volunteers ensure that there are always hands at the ready to pack the food for distribution to our 16-county region, including the Qualla Boundary. Volunteers also pitch in to help with special events and projects like Farmers Market Ambassadors, the National Letter Carriers Food Drive, and the Ingles Giving Tree.

Volunteer Impact: Volunteers Are The HeartBeet of MANNA’s Daily Work

In fiscal year 2021-2022, 2,923 volunteers provided 52,642 hours of support – the equivalent of 28 full-time staff members! Without the wonderful individuals and groups who donate their time, we could not do the work of ending hunger in Western North Carolina.

Getting Started


STEP 1: Create a volunteer profile.

STEP 2: Sign up for a volunteer shift.

COVID-19 Volunteer Information

The health and safety of our staff, volunteer community, and the neighbors we serve continue to be of the utmost importance to all of us at MANNA FoodBank. Please find more information on our current guidelines on our COVID-19 landing page.

Holiday Season Volunteering


During the holiday season, our volunteer shifts usually fill up very quickly. If you’re interested in volunteering during the holidays, contact us as early as possible (at least 6-8 weeks in advance). Due to increased call and email volumes at this time, please allow for 4-5 business days to receive a reply.

Hunger does exist year-round, and we often have a greater need for volunteers during January and February. If you have flexibility in your volunteering schedule, please consider volunteering after the holidays.

Group Volunteering


Families, clubs, school groups, business groups, or other organizations of five or more volunteers can fill out a Group Request Form. If you are a non-business group of five or fewer, you can have each person sign up as an individual on available dates. Note: The largest group size we are able to accommodate is a group of 10 unless 2-3 months’ notice is given.

Community Service


If you’re looking to complete court-ordered or attorney-suggested hours, e-mail our Volunteer Assistant Coordinator.

Volunteers Under Age 18


Volunteers younger than 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult chaperone (aged 18 or older). Volunteers between the age of 16 and 18 may volunteer without an adult, but must present MANNA with a release signed by their guardian:  Release of Liability for a Minor (pdf).

Questions? Check out our Volunteer FAQs (pdf).