Volunteer Opportunities at our West Suburban Center in Geneva

Food Sort and Repack
Group Opportunities 
Office and Clerical Support
Special Events
Volunteer Supervisor
Youth Shifts and School Programs

Food Sort and Repack:
Individuals and groups work in our warehouse on a variety of projects, including sorting, evaluating, cleaning, and packaging donated food and non-food product prior to distribution. There is some lifting required and all positions require volunteers to stand on concrete floors. 

• Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Tuesday & Thursday: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• 1st & 3rd Tuesday: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
• 2nd Thursday: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
• 4th Thursday: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Youth Shift) (all shifts full until May 24th)
• 1st - 3rd Saturday: 9:00 am - 11:30 am (all shifts full until March 17th)
• 2nd Saturday: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm (all shifts full until March 10th)
• 4th Saturday: 9:00 am - 11:00 am (Youth Shift) (all shifts full until June 23rd)

Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age during regular shifts and at least 8 years of age during youth shifts. An adult 21 years of age or older is required to volunteer alongside any indviduals under the age of 16.

Want to start volunteering? Click here to find out how to get started.

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Group Opportunities:
Many organizations and companies find volunteering at Northern Illinois Food Bank an excellent team building experience. NIFB is capable of accommodating groups of up to 100 people. Groups of fifteen or less will have to be scheduled during our regular shifts. See above Food Sort and Repack for a list of shifts.

Groups of 15 or more are able to join one of our regular shifts or may be able to schedule an alternate day or time.

So that we do not overbook and we make the most efficient use of your time and energy, all groups must schedule their visit in advance.
Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age during regular shifts and at least 8 years of age during youth shifts. An adult 21 years of age or older is required to volunteer alongside any indviduals under the age of 16.

Want to start volunteering? Click here to find out how to get started.

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Office and Clerical Support:
General office assistance is needed during business hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm as well as on evenings and Saturdays during food sort and repack volunteer shifts. Training is provided and schedules are flexible. Some duties include: filing, greeting volunteers and visitors, answering the phone, preparing mailings, assembling materials, on-line research, etc.

Want to start volunteering? Click here to find out how to get started.

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Special Events:
NIFB is involved with a variety of events at locations throughout our service area from fundraisers to volunteer fairs. Volunteers are needed to help with various aspects of these events. Please contact us for additional details.

Want to start volunteering? Click here to find out how to get started.

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Volunteer Supervisor:
NIFB is currently seeking individuals to lead volunteer groups and projects during food sorting shifts. Training is provided and schedules are flexible. Your leadership abilities are needed.

Want to start volunteering? Click here to find out how to get started.

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Youth Shifts and School Programs:
NIFB offers opportunities for youth as young as 3rd grade to get involved. Youth, 3rd grade and older, are invited to help with various projects in our warehouse. They are also welcome to tour our facility or learn important lessons about hunger.

Youth Shifts at our St. Charles Facility are offered on the following dates and times:

• 4th Thursday: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Youth Shift) (all shifts full until May 24th)
• 4th Saturday: 9:00 am - 11:00 am (Youth Shift) (all shifts full until June 23rd)
• Families are welcome to join our regular weekday shifts during the week leading up to the 4th Saturday of the month. Anyone 3rd grade and older is invited to volunteer during any of our regular daytime food sorting shifts that week. 
• Groups of 15 or more, which include youth, are welcome to contact NIFB to schedule a special weekday youth shift.

*An adult 21 years of age or older is required to volunteer alongside any indviduals under the age of 16.

* A ratio of one adult over the age of 21 for every five youth is required. 

Are you a teacher interested in doing a volunteer project and educating your students on issues of hunger? Come and spend time volunteering in our warehouse. In addition to a 2-3 hour volunteer session, your students can participate in a lesson on hunger. Take this opportunity to introduce your students to hunger and poverty issues.

Want to start volunteering? Click here to find out how to get started.

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For more information about any of the above volunteer opportunities contact NIFB at 630.443.6910 or volunteer@northernilfoodbank.org.