Volunteer in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania

Make the next grocery trip possible.

At Jenkintown Food Cupboard, volunteers welcome neighbors, keep groceries moving, deliver food, and lend their skills behind the scenes. There is real work to do, and many ways to help.

Email our volunteer coordinator Explore opportunities

Please contact the coordinator before coming in. All volunteers must sign up before a shift.

Two Jenkintown Food Cupboard volunteers with a box of groceries
Neighbors supporting neighborsEvery shift helps make the next one possible.
Where328 Summit Avenue, Jenkintown, PA 19046
WhenWeekdays and Saturday opportunities, depending on the role
How to beginEmail the Volunteer Coordinator for current openings and next steps

Why this work matters

A good week takes a lot of hands.

JFC’s full-choice pantry lets neighbors select food that works for their households. Volunteers make that experience possible: receiving and organizing groceries, welcoming people at distribution, preparing deliveries, and helping the organization run well. The work also reaches into home delivery, diapers and essentials, and community outreach.

Some roles are active and face to face. Others use a car, a computer, a creative skill, or a few focused hours during the week. Tell us what you enjoy and what your schedule allows; we’ll talk through current needs together.

Find your fit

Four ways to get involved.

These are typical opportunities. The coordinator will confirm current openings, shift times, and training.

01

Welcome and distribute

Check in neighbors, help with registration if you’re comfortable using a computer, guide traffic, fill and move grocery carts, or help lead a distribution team.

Tuesday · 4:30–7:30 p.m.Thursday · 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. / 3–4:30 p.m.
02

Prepare the pantry

Sort and stock food, pack delivery bags, receive food, or pick up donations. Some receiving and pickup assignments involve lifting 30–50 pounds; other prep work does not.

Weekdays · hours varyPickup roles require your own car
03

Help food reach home

Pack fresh and frozen items on Friday or ask about a Saturday route bringing groceries to neighbors who receive deliveries.

Friday · preparationSaturday · 9:30–11 a.m. delivery
04

Use your skills behind the scenes

Ask about volunteer coordination, communications, social media, inventory, fundraising, grant writing, donor support, facilities, or program evaluation. Some work may be flexible or remote when a need is available.

Project and ongoing rolesAvailability varies

Times shown are the shifts currently described on JFC’s volunteer page and may change. Please confirm your assignment with the coordinator before arriving.

A group of volunteers gathered with Jenkintown Food Cupboard after helping with food

Local people, practical help

The work is visible in every full cart.

JFC serves neighbors in and around Jenkintown and across eligible Montgomery County communities. Whether you can help on a distribution line, drive a route, or put a particular skill to work, you are part of a local effort people rely on week after week.

300+families bring home groceries from JFC in a typical week

Getting started

A clear path to your first shift.

01 / SAY HELLO

Email the coordinator

Share your name, phone number, the roles that interest you, and when you might be available. Mention if you’re a student, bringing a group, or seeking a particular kind of work.

02 / GET SET UP

Complete the steps

The coordinator will discuss a suitable opening and send JFC’s current application and signup instructions, plus any required Pennsylvania clearances or background checks. Complete the required process before an assignment.

03 / JOIN THE TEAM

Attend orientation

Once your requirements are complete, you’ll be scheduled for orientation and a shift. You’ll know where to go, what to wear, and who to check in with when you arrive.

Email the Volunteer Coordinator volunteers@jenkintownfoodcupboard.org

Before you arrive

Good to know.

A few details that make it easier for everyone to have a safe, useful first day.

Can children or teens volunteer?

Young people ages 12–17 may volunteer with a parent. Volunteers under 12 need the Volunteer Coordinator’s prior approval. Please tell us the ages of everyone interested when you email.

Can I volunteer with friends, a school, or a work team?

Please contact the coordinator first so we can discuss an appropriate opportunity. Each person must complete JFC’s signup process and applicable requirements; you can’t bring someone who has not signed up for an available spot.

Do I need to be able to lift heavy boxes?

No. Some receiving and pickup roles call for lifting 30–50 pounds, but many other tasks do not. Tell the coordinator what work is comfortable for you and whether you have access needs so you can discuss a suitable role.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Volunteers wear high-visibility vests during food distributions; JFC will explain the safety practices for your assignment at orientation.

Can I just stop by or sign up for a shift today?

Please email first. JFC needs to confirm an opening and complete the signup, required checks, and orientation steps before assigning a shift. Walk-in volunteering is not available.

What if I need service-hour documentation?

Mention your school or program’s requirements and deadline when you contact the coordinator. Ask about documentation before scheduling so expectations are clear.

Your next step

There is a place for your time here.

Tell us what interests you and when you’re available. The Volunteer Coordinator will help you find the right place to start.

Get in touch about volunteering Jenkintown Food Cupboard · 328 Summit Avenue · Jenkintown, PA 19046