What to expect your first time at a food bank
📍 Denver
A no-surprises walkthrough of a typical volunteer shift at Food Bank of the Rockies — from parking to the break room to what your hands will be doing for three hours.
Why we're sharing this
We wrote this because the number one reason people hesitate to volunteer at a food bank is not knowing what they're walking into.
Food Bank of the Rockies runs volunteer shifts six days a week at their distribution center at 20600 E. 38th Avenue in Aurora. If you’ve signed up for a shift and aren’t sure what you’re walking into, here’s what to expect.
Before you arrive
Register in advance through VolunteerHub at foodbankrockies.volunteerhub.com. Walk-ins are not accepted. Morning shifts run 8:45 AM to noon; afternoon shifts 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early.
What to wear: Closed-toe shoes are required — sneakers or work boots. Wear clothes appropriate for a warehouse: nothing you’d be upset about getting dusty. No halter tops, tank tops, or clothing with offensive messaging. Layers are smart since the warehouse temperature varies.
What to bring: Just yourself. Small lockers are available for purses and jackets. Don’t bring valuables. If you need service hours signed, bring your paperwork — they’ll sign it at the end of your shift.
When you get there
Park in the designated volunteer lot and head to the check-in area. A volunteer coordinator will greet you, go over the basics, and assign you to a work area. The specific task changes daily based on what the food bank needs most. You might:
- Sort through donated food, inspecting for damage and checking expiration dates
- Pack boxes of food for distribution
- Move product around the warehouse
- Do data entry or other administrative tasks
- Work in the kitchen (ages 18+ only)
Don’t be surprised if your assignment is different from what you imagined. Flexibility is expected and appreciated — the food bank’s needs shift constantly.
What the work feels like
Most roles are physical. You’ll be standing, walking, bending, and lifting for most of your shift. Boxes can weigh up to 30 pounds. If you have physical limitations, let the coordinator know at check-in and they’ll find something that works. Not every role requires heavy lifting.
The pace is steady but not frantic. Music is often playing. You’ll work alongside other volunteers — some regulars, some first-timers like you. Conversation happens naturally.
The rules
Food Bank of the Rockies has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy. That includes marijuana, recreational or medicinal. Don’t bring it, don’t be under the influence of it.
Beyond that, the rules are common sense: be respectful, follow safety instructions, and let a coordinator know if something seems wrong.
After your shift
You’ll wrap up, check out, and get your service hours documentation if you need it. The whole thing takes about three hours. Most people leave feeling like the time went faster than expected and like they actually accomplished something tangible — because they did.