Build a Better Food System
Every year, billions of pounds of fresh, nutritious food go to waste—but together, we can change that.
Volunteers are the heart of this effort. Whether you're sorting fresh produce, assisting at events, or lending your unique skills in other ways, your thyme and energy create a direct impact on food access in our community.
How You Can Get Involved
Volunteering with us is a hands-on way to make a real difference in food access and sustainability. We offer a wide range of weekly opportunities at our warehouse and office to fit different skills and interests:
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Sort, pack, and distribute fresh produce
Ensure food reaches the people who need it most
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Support administrative projects
Assist with outreach efforts
Complete behind-the-scenes tasks that keep our mission moving
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Support Kanbe’s Markers during special events like:
Golf Tournaments, Community Celebrations, Warehouse Dinners & more!
Need to Know Before You Volunteer
Shoes: Please wear closed-toe shoes to stay safe and comfortable.
Gloves: Provided for your protection—usually not latex.
Lifting: Some tasks involve lifting, so come ready to move a bit!
Kids: We welcome helpers ages 11+ (children under 11 need to sit this one out).
We’re committed to making our volunteer experience welcoming and accessible for everyone. If you or your group need accommodations to participate, please contact:
volunteer@kanbesmarkets.org
Organizing a Group or Corporate Volunteer Day?
We’d love to host your team for a meaningful, hands-on experience!
Fill out this [form]
Contact Isabel Miller, Volunteer Engagement & Impact Manager, at isabelm@kanbesmarkets.org
SNAP Work Requirements
We are a qualifying volunteer site for the SNAP 80 hour work/training requirements for Missouri Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD). Volunteering with us can help individuals gain skills in product assessment, transportation logistics, inventory management, time management, interpersonal skills, and opportunities to network with other food focussed organizations in the region. Kanbe’s Markets also operate a workforce development program through our driver positions.
Volunteer Spotlight
Meet John!
If you’ve volunteered at Kanbe’s Markets, you’ve probably met John. You'll often find him right alongside fellow volunteers – sorting produce, sharing a smile, and helping keep the warehouse buzzing. But his impact doesn't stop there. Whether he's loading a truck or delivering fresh fruits and vegetables to healthcare partners like Children's Mercy Kansas City, he's helping ensure that every neighbor has access to nutritious, affordable food.
From the warehouse floor to the front lines of our Food is Medicine partnerships, his work helps bridge the gap between food access and health – one box, one delivery, and one connection at a time.
John is a top tier volunteer, literally he’s in our top three volunteers of all time, and we’re so lucky to have him.
Next time you see John sorting, you’ll know he’s the main squeeze!
VOLUNTEER EVENTS!
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VOLUNTEER EVENTS! *
Weekend & Evening Sorts
Saturday
June 27th
10am-12pm
Saturday
July 25th
10am-12pm
Wednesday
July 8th
5pm - 7pm
Saturday
August 15th
10am-12pm
Frequently Asked Questions
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We have a number of ways for you to get involved with Kanbe's volunteerism! Please be aware most activities require heavy lifting and closed-toed shoes are required for volunteering in our warehouse. Our main volunteer opportunities are as follows:
Produce Sorting shifts:Monday through Friday mornings 9-11:30am
Monday/Tuesday & Thursday/Friday afternoons 1-3pm
Community Food Partner Assistants:
Monday through Friday 9:30-11:30am
Office Volunteering:
Tuesdays 1-3pm
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For groups larger than 20, please contact volunteer@kanbesmarkets.org.
To schedule as a Team, login to your GetConnected account and find the Opportunity shift you would like to respond to.Select 'Respond as a Team' >
Select 'Create a New Team' > name your Team > OR 'Use One of My Teams' if returning with a previous Team
Select 'Add Me' to add yourself to the Team > and check yourself as the Team Leader
Add Team Members by selecting 'Add Volunteer' and providing their email and first and last name (If the Volunteer already has an account, the system will pull them into your Team. If they do not, an invitation email will be sent to create a profile, complete the prerequisite waiver, and then can use the invitation Join Link to get added to your Team)
For members who still need to create an account and complete our waiver or to reserve spots for unknown people you anticipate joining, select the number of 'Reserve Additional Slots' from the drop down. These reserved slots will be filled as members join your Team
Select 'Continue' > Check the box for shift you are registering your Team for > select 'Finish'
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Children 11+ can join us with a 1:1 adult ratio. We have lots going on in our warehouse so to ensure safety and ability to sort quality produce we ask that an adult joins. Children 13-16 we ask for a 5:1 adult ratio and 16-18 year olds may join us without adult supervision so long as they have a waiver signed by a legal guardian and are in groups smaller than 5.
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Close toed shoes are required when volunteering in our warehouse. We recommend dressing in comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and encourage you to bring a water bottle. Layers are also a good choice.
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Our warehouse and offices are located at 3119 Terrace St., KCMO 64111. On the day of your volunteer shift, look for the Kanbe's parking signs posted on Terrace Street. Drive through the two sets of gates and park in a Visitor Parking spot along the south fence. Parking is limited, so we encourage car-pooling. Please access our Volunteer Center through the double doors to the right of the loading bays with the large "Welcome Volunteers" sign.
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Yes, we close with Kansas City Public Schools weather closures.
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