HOW TO HELP

 

Volunteer Opportunities

The work of Elk Grove Food Bank Services would not be possible without the contributions of its hundreds of volunteers who work side-by-side with employees every day to create a positive environment for clients. There are dozens of volunteer opportunities, including sorting food, packing boxes, helping our clients “shop” for food, client check in, sorting clothes, just to name a few. Most volunteer shifts are Mondays through Fridays, from 8:30 am to noon and from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. There is limited availability on the Saturday shift, which is 8:30 am to noon.

Please note that effective January 1, 2024, all new volunteer applicants must attend a 60-minute orientation prior to being scheduled for a volunteer shift. Orientations are held on the second Tuesdays of the month at 11 am and the fourth Thursdays of the month at 3 pm. You can see a complete listing of dates and schedule your orientation now by clicking here.

Whether you’re a student, a full- or part-time employee, or retired, there are many ways that you can assist the Elk Grove Food Bank Services and your community. Even if you only have a couple of hours a month, we are grateful for your help!

Wanting to help? Here are a few suggestions.

  • Donate food and clothing at EGFBS.
    • Our facility is located at 9888 Kent Street, Elk Grove, CA 95624.
    • Donations are accepted Mondays through Fridays from 9 am to 3 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to noon.
  • Sort food and clothing.
  • Assist with food distribution at Elk Grove Food Bank or its mobile programs.
  • Pick up food items.
  • Organize a Canned Food Drive at your school, in your neighborhood, at your place of business, or with your church or club.
  • Assist with special events.
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Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering for the Elk Grove Food Bank! Our work could not be complete without the contributions of our volunteers who work side-by-side with employees everyday to create a positive environment for clients.

Please note the following restrictions and requirements:

  • NO WALK INS!  You must schedule your volunteer times with the Volunteer Coordinator.
  • Students between the ages of 10 – 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or an adult guardian and must submit an EGFBS Volunteer Application and photo release form (see links below).
  • Students between the ages of 16 – 17 years of age may volunteer with parental consent/signature and must submit an EGFBS Volunteer Application and photo release form.
  • Organized Group Events must be scheduled with the Volunteer Coordinator.
  • Volunteers may not receive services from EGFBS while volunteering.
  • Clients may not volunteer until 6 months has passed since last receiving EGFBS services.

Once you have read the above restrictions and requirements, download the volunteer registration packet by clicking here!

Send your completed registration packet to [email protected] or drop it off at the Elk Grove Food Bank during our business hours.

For more information on volunteering, please call (916) 685-8453 or email our Volunteer Coordinator.

Your resources of time and energy are always welcome!

Give Food & Clothing

Grocery Shopping List

All donations of foods need to be unexpired and before the USE BY date.

  • Low Sodium Non-Perishables
  • Sugar-Free Non-Perishables
  • Ensure
  • Mac & Cheese
  • Boxed Mashed Potatoes
  • Packaged Rice
  • Packaged Beans
  • Canned Fruit
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Soup, low sodium varieties
  • Tuna and other Canned Meat
  • Canned Chicken
  • Cereal Products
  • Canned Goods
  • Non-perishables
  • High protein foods (such as canned chili, peanut butter, beans)
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables that store well in the refrigerator
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Ongoing Needs

  • Gift cards for gas and food
  • Bus Passes
  • Ziploc bags: sandwich
  • Heavy duty garbage bags (35 gallon)
  • Bags – produce, plastic or paper
  • Gloves (small, medium and large)
  • Toiletries (hotel or sample size soaps, shampoos, and conditioners are very handy for our clients.) Full size toiletries are also welcome.
  • Baby items (food and/or formula, diapers and wipes)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Cloth grocery bags

Host A Food Drive

Food Drive Information

Thank you for your interest in holding a food drive to benefit the Elk Grove Food Bank Services. Below are some frequently asked questions for hosting a food drive.

How long should my food drive be? When should I have my food drive?
A food drive can be any length of time you wish. Most food drives are 1-2 weeks. Others are just 1 day.

Food drives are welcome all year long. A large percentage happen in November and December during the holiday season: however, we strongly encourage food drives during the summer months.

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What are the most recommended non-perishable items to collect?

  • Mac & cheese
  • Canned tuna and chicken
  • Dry and canned pasta
  • Ramen
  • Peanut butter and jam
  • Baby food
  • Ensure
  • Cereal
  • Rice
  • Beans
  • Dried fruit
  • Soup & chili

Monetary donations are always welcome.

Specific Theme?

A food drive theme is not necessary. Some businesses, schools and individuals enjoy having a creative theme and name. A few examples:

  • Business Food Fight: different businesses compete against each other.
  • Entry fee for an event: bring canned food for admission.
  • One Food Item: such as Soup, Cereal, Baby Food, Tuna, Peanut Butter or Canned Fruit & Vegetables.
  • Collect cans at local events.

By hosting a food drive you can help the EGFBS continue to meet the growing needs of many people in our community.

Car Donations

The Elk Grove Food Bank Services has partnered with Car Program LLC to provide an easy-to-use, tax deductible process to donate your vehicle. As a charitable contribution, your donation will make a big difference to EGFBS! Please use the vehicle donation form to donate your car, boat, or RV. A towing company and will contact you via telephone within 4 business days at the latest. If you have any questions before initiating the donation process, please contact our toll free line at 800-238-3051, which is available seven days a week. Please fax forms to (916) 631-1328. To get started, all you have to do is fill out the online donation form.

Car Donation FAQs

Get answers to frequently asked questions.

What can I donate?
We accept most vehicles and vessels including but not limited to cars, trucks, trailers, boats and RV’s
My car hasn't run in years. Can I still donate it?
Yes, we are able to accept most vehicles running or not (exceptions include older vehicles whose value would not offset the cost of towing). To find out if we can accept your vehicle, please complete and submit our donation form.
What do I need to donate my vehicle?
We would like the title to the vehicle, but if you do not have it please call us anyway. It is possible that other arrangements may be made.
Can you pick up vehicles in all 50 states?
Yes, we are able to pick up accepted vehicles in the continental U.S. and Hawaii
How will my car be picked up?
We will arrange to have your vehicle towed away by a professionally licensed, bonded and insured towing company.
How long will it take to pick up my car?
We will arrange for a towing company to contact you via telephone within three to four business days at the latest. If you need your car picked up sooner, please let us know as we are oftentimes able to accommodate rush orders as well.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, vehicle and vessel donations made to bona fide charitable organizations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. However, individual tax situations may vary so please check with a tax professional to determine what if any tax benefit you may receive from a tax deductible donation.
How does my tax deduction work?
The IRS allows you, the taxpayer, to claim a tax deduction of (a) the value of your vehicle up to $500 or (b) if we sell the vehicle for more than $500 we will mail you a postcard with that value for your tax purposes. For additional information, the IRS provides a Donor’s Guide to Car Donations which sets forth the manner in which the IRS requires you to determine the value of your donated property