Volunteers Needed for the City’s FREE Grocery Food Box Program

September is Hunger Action Month! To help address food insecurity in Irvine, the City — in collaboration with Community Action Partnership of Orange County — offers free 30-pound grocery food boxes each month to income-eligible residents.

The grocery food boxes contain a variety of dried beans, fresh produce, canned and frozen vegetables, fruit/vegetable juice, meat (when available), poultry, fish, nuts, milk, cheese, rice, cereal, and pasta.

The success of the program depends on dozens of volunteers who assist with four key events: food drop-off, packaging food boxes, food distribution, and food box delivery (for those without transportation).

More volunteers are needed to help with this critical program. If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back and connect with our local Irvine community, this project might be a good fit. With hundreds of families and individuals served each month, volunteers play a vital role in the program’s success.

Studies show that volunteering reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while increasing happiness, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose. It fosters community connection by bringing people together for shared goals, strengthening social bonds, and providing insight into local needs.

To become a volunteer, you will need to register online here. Once you register, you will be able to choose one-time events or ongoing opportunities based on your availability. 

For questions about volunteering, contact Makenzie Walters via email at mwalters@cityofirvine.org or call (949) 724-6653.

For information on how to receive a food box, visit the City’s website here.