Frequently Asked Questions


How do I sign up for a volunteer opportunity?

·         How To Schedule & Cancel an Individual Volunteer Shift (Video)

·         How To Schedule a Group Volunteer Shift (Step-By-Step Instructions & Video)

·         How To Schedule a Youth Group Volunteer Shift (Step-By-Step Instructions & Video)

·         How to Manage Your Group (Step-By-Step Instructions & Video)


Do you accept groups?

Yes! Learn more and sign up for a group volunteer experience here.

We can accommodate up to:

  • 25 volunteers per shift (Mon-Fri)
  • 21 volunteers per shift on (Sat)


What is the minimum age to volunteer?

  • Volunteers must be 12 years or older, and volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of their shift.
  • Please visit our Youth Volunteering Info page to learn more.


How do I cancel my volunteer shift?

Please cancel or update your volunteer reservation as early as possible. This gives other volunteers time to fill the spot and helps ensure we can get food out to our neighbors who are relying on us.

  • If you are a group leader, please make group cancellations or adjustments in the volunteer portal at least 1 week before the shift. (Please note: Each group member must register and join the group 7 days before the event. Any unregistered spots at that point will be released and made available for public sign-up.)
  • If you are an individual volunteer, please cancel your reservation in the volunteer portal at least 48 hours in advance.


Here's how to cancel your shift using the Volunteer Portal:

  • Log in to your account
  • Click on your initials in the top right-hand corner
  • Choose OPPORTUNITY RESPONSES from the list, you will be brought to your volunteer shift reservation(s)
  • Under the OPTIONS column, Click on SELECT AN ACTION next to the shift you want to change
  • Select UNREGISTER, then click YES to confirm


How do I prepare for my Food Sorting & Repack volunteer shift?


Do approve court-order volunteer hours?

  • Yes, we are happy to verify hours for court-ordered service. You can learn more and sign up for a volunteer shift here.
  • If you need hour verification, please reach out to volunteers@secondharvestsw.org after completing the hours needed. Please note that hour verifications can take up to 5 business days to complete.


Can you confirm service hours?

  • Yes, most service hours can be verified by accessing your personal volunteer snapshot which shows your volunteer role, hours history, and more. Access your hours by following these steps:
    • Log in to your account
    • Click on your initials in the top right-hand corner
    • Choose MY PROFILE from the list
    • Under your name, click on VOLUNTEER SNAPSHOT
    • You can edit the time range by editing the START and END
    • Click on GO - this will download a PDF of the snapshot to your browser
    • You can save or print this PDF!
  • If you need additional verification, contact volunteers@secondharvestsw.org after completing the hours needed.
  • Please note that hour verifications can take up to 5 business days to complete.


Can I bring my friend to a shift if they didn't sign up?

  • You can check to see if there are any last-minute openings and invite a friend to sign up by viewing shifts here! All volunteers must have a SHF Volunteer Portal account and complete the required waiver.
  • Please note: Anyone under 18 will need to have a parent or guardian complete a youth waiver.


Do you offer presentations or learning opportunities for groups?

  • Our team loves deepening your volunteer experience through learning and reflection. We have limited capacity to offer mini presentations before or after your shift. Contact us at volunteers@secondharvestsw.org or give us a call at 608-216-7214 to learn more!


Resources to Deepen Your Volunteer Experience

We at Second Harvest encourage you to reflect on your experience and use the resources below to further your connection to the community:


  • Educate yourself and others about food insecurity and food systems.
  • Food insecurity is a complex issue that isn’t always easy to solve. We’ve linked some resources to help you learn more and reflect on the ways our communities can tackle hunger:
  • Support community through other pathways to services:
    • Second Harvest recognizes that the opportunity to volunteer is not available to everyone in our community. We also thank those who choose to help end food insecurity by means of community organizing, advocacy, philanthropy, voting, and self-education.