Volunteer to volunteer.

Hands-on experience is one of the most valuable learning tools.

Contact your local food bank and ask if they need help.

Working directly with poor people and the agencies that serve them is a powerful way of learning while serving. From our work with community-based organizations, we know that most of them survive on the grace of their volunteers. This is true in urban and suburban areas, and it is especially true in rural parts of California where volunteers are mission-critical to feeding the hungry. 

If you want to better understand what it might be like to volunteer, read Beyond the Food Drive, by Britt Boyd, a first-of-its-kind handbook on the most strategic ways Americans can fight hunger through service. HungerVolunteer.org is another great resource for learning more about how you can contribute.

When you are ready to volunteer, the good news is that there is probably a California TEFAP agency or a food distribution agency near you that needs your help. Call your local TEFAP agency, food bank or food pantry to inquire about volunteering.

You can always go to Volunteer Match to find specific opportunities organizations in your area have listed asking for help.