donating your time

Because we conduct classes and grocery tours in cities and towns around Arkansas, local volunteers are critical to the success of our Cooking Matters and Cooking Matters at the Store programs and to reducing food insecurity in our state. We need committed, caring folks like you to help so we can spread the message of Cooking Matters across the state! Please fill out the Volunteer Application (it will not take more than 5-10 minutes, we promise!). After you submit it, we will reach out with some specific ways you can get involved!

Farmers allow us to go into their fields along with our gleaning partners and volunteers to pick fresh produce that remains after the harvest. The produce we harvest goes to one or more of our Feeding America member food banks for distribution to food pantries and other hunger relief organizations.

To be a Gleaning Volunteer, email Brandon Chapman at bchapman@arhungeralliance.org. Be sure to put VOLUNTEER in the subject line, and we will add you to our Gleaning Volunteer list. You’ll receive email notices of upcoming gleaning opportunities.

• Volunteer at a summer or after-school feeding site and help with meals or activities.
• Lead a Cooking Matters at the Store tour.
• Start a Cooking Matters program at your church or civic group.
• Be a Social Media volunteer and SHARE Alliance Facebook and Twitter posts with others.
• Become a monthly donor to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.
• Purchase a table or sponsorship for an Alliance fundraising event like Serving up Solutions in June or the Hunger Action Breakfast in September.
• Sponsor a hunger awareness event or fundraiser in your community.
• One of the most appreciated volunteer opportunities is at your local food bank or food pantry. Activities may include sorting and boxing food, handing out and delivering food boxes, or becoming a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – formerly Food Stamps) Advocate.