Individual Volunteering
There are many ways to volunteer at the Pilsen Food Pantry! Help us organize food in the Food Pantry, make contact-free deliveries for homebound clients, help us prep the pantry for the week, or sort clothes/other donations in the Mercadito Gratis.
The Pilsen Food Pantry thrives thanks to the dedication of our amazing volunteers! We rely on over 300+ volunteer hours per week to keep operations running smoothly. Your time and support make all the difference!
For group volunteering opportunities, please visit the group volunteering page.
Get Involved
🧑🤝🧑 Who Can Volunteer? (Please sign up individually)
Volunteers age 14 and up are welcome!
Kids age 9-13 are welcome with an adult chaperone.
Please do not register the child separately, as most cannot focus for a full shift.
🖱️How to Sign Up for Shifts
Choose a date on the calendar under the appropriate volunteer activity below
Hover over the calendar and pick an available time slot
Greyed out dates indicate that volunteer capacity for that day has been reached (please choose a different day)
For a single shift, click “Select and continue”
For multiple shifts, click “Select and make recurring”
Choose how many consecutive shifts you'd like OR click
“Select and add another time”You'll return to the calendar to add more time slots
Confirm your list of shifts and click “Continue” to enter your information and receive a confirmation email
🙌 That’s it—thank you, and we’ll see you soon!
📋 Expectations
All volunteers:
Must sign up online. Please do not show up without receiving a confirmation email. You may be asked to go home.
Must have completed a volunteer waiver prior to their shift
✅ Valid for 1 year
Must show up on time and stay for the entire shift
We have a three-strike rule: Three no-shows will result in a permanent ban from signing up to volunteer with our organization. However, we understand life happens! If you cancel ahead of time, these cancellations will not count as no-shows. Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can cancel your appointment a few ways:
Via your confirmation/reminder email
Emailing volunteer@pilsenfoodpantry.com
Calling (773) 812-3150
Wear comfortable clothing with closed-toed shoes
We can verify volunteer hours if needed!
A staff member can sign at the end of your shift
For a letter with a letterhead email volunteer@pilsenfoodpantry.com
📩 For any volunteer-related questions, email volunteer@pilsenfoodpantry.com
Figueroa Wu Family Foundation Volunteer Waiver Form
The Figueroa Wu Family Foundation (FWFF) is dedicated to creating a safe environment for all of our volunteers. As part of this commitment, we ask all volunteers to read and sign the following Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement before participating in any FWFF programs, including but not limited to the Pilsen Food Pantry and El Mercadito Gratis.
We greatly appreciate your participation and support in our efforts to serve the community.
Food Pantry Volunteer Shifts
Assist with opening procedures, distribute healthy foods to people in need, and sort donations. Volunteers must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time as well as lift up to 25 pounds. They must be able to stay on task for 3 hours, which is why kids under 14 years can only volunteer with an adult.
| Monday | 8:30 am - 11:15 am |
| 11:15 am - 2:15 pm | |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am - 11:15 am |
| 11:15 am - 2:15 pm | |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am - 11:15 am |
| 11:15 am - 2:15 pm | |
| Thursday | 11:45 am - 2:30 pm |
| 2:30 pm - 5:15 pm | |
| Friday | 8:30 am - 11:15 am |
| 11:15 am - 2:15 pm | |
| Sunday prep sessions | 10:30 am - 1:30 pm |
El Mercadito Gratis
Volunteer Shifts
Help us keep the Mercadito Gratis stocked and organized!
| Sunday | 9:00 am - 11:30 am |
| 11:30 am - 2:00 pm | Monday | 9:00 am - 11:30 am | 11:30 am - 2:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am - 11:30 am |
| 11:30 am - 2:00 pm | Wednesday | 9:00 am - 11:30 am | 11:30 am - 2:00 pm |
| Thursday | 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm |
| 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm |
Pantry Delivery Driver Volunteer Shifts
We need responsible drivers with reliable vehicles who can make contact-free deliveries to homebound clients.
| Monday | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm |
| 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | |
| Tuesday | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm |
| 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | |
| Wednesday | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm |
| 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | |
| Thursday | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm |
| Friday | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm |
| 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
GCFD Unpacking
Volunteer Shift
Bring your muscles to help unpack pallets of food and other supplies from the Greater Chicago Food Depository!
| Thursday | 10:00 am - 12:15 pm |
Sunday Prep Session
Volunteer Shift
Join a fun group of folks every Sunday to get the Pantry ready for the upcoming week.
Children under 14 cannot volunteer without prior approval.
| Sunday | 10:30 am - 1:30 pm |
