Some of FareStart’s hundreds of volunteers help produce meals for local nonprofits. Others lead mock interviews that help students gain confidence applying for jobs. Some harvest fruits and vegetables from local farms that support food security. Others serve tables at our beloved Guest Chef Nights.
Regardless of how they show up, volunteers play a crucial role in advancing our mission to transform lives, disrupt poverty and nourish communities through food, life skills and job training.
“Volunteers are one of the pillars of our community,” said Sasha Selden (she/her), FareStart Volunteer Engagement Manager. “Their donation of time and energy allows us to serve more students, make more meals. They’re really the embodiment of our values of collaboration and inclusion.”
Every volunteer makes a difference, and we’re grateful for their growing interest in getting involved. In all, 873 people donated their time and talent with FareStart in 2024 — almost a 30% increase from the previous year. Collectively, they put in nearly 8,900 hours, worth an estimated $358,000.
Adapting as Needs Evolve
FareStart volunteers have always stepped up — especially when we need them most. And they’re always adapting as we respond to shifting needs in our community.
During the COVID pandemic, they made facemasks and delivered meals and laptops to students learning remotely. They wrote cards that helped people in need feel less alone.
“Volunteers did a great job of pivoting with us and getting involved in different ways,” Sasha said. “They leaned in and really kept us going.”
Welcoming All Levels of Commitment
Many of our most dedicated volunteers have been involved for a long time. They often turn out every week, putting in hundreds of hours per year. They bring a deep sense of connection to empowering brighter futures by tackling the root causes of poverty and food insecurity.
“FareStart changes lives and communities,” one volunteer said. “It’s not just the student who benefits, but their family, their own community, and as a result, our entire community.”
A growing number of people in recent years say they’re eager to help and need flexibility to do it. They want to volunteer a little here, a little there — whatever they can fit into their schedules. Our volunteer site makes it easy to search, sort and sign up for current and upcoming search volunteer needs. We’re also responding to a growing interest in volunteering in groups with friends, family, and co-workers.
“We’re trying to make it super simple for people to get in and volunteer,” Sasha said. “We have a really wide range of opportunities and time frames and locations. A lot of them are really low-barrier. You can sign up for a shift today and be in one of our kitchens tomorrow.”
New Ways to Make an Impact
Some of our newest programs have the greatest need for volunteers, like our Mobile Community Markets serving low-income communities where locally grown produce can be difficult to find.
Want to help out?
- Glean produce from local farms that might otherwise go to waste.
- Assist shoppers at our Mobile Community Markets, where we sell and distribute gleaned produce and other high-quality foods to expand food access.
- Make meals for the community working alongside our students and professional chefs.
Visit our website to learn more about volunteering or email volunteer@farestart.org.
