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:

Warehouse:

  • Sort, pack, and distribute fresh produce

  • Ensure food reaches the people who need it most

Office:

  • Support administrative projects

  • Assist with outreach efforts

  • Complete behind-the-scenes tasks that keep our mission moving

Sign Up Today!

You’ll be taken to our volunteer system to create an account and sign up for shifts.

Looking for Volunteer Events?

see what's coming up
 

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 8+ (children under 8 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!

 

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

 

Raul Sanchez

Raul started volunteering at Kanbe's this spring and has quickly become one of our most dedicated volunteers.

As a member of our BIPs, Berry Important People, Raul has stepped up in so many ways to support the work at Kanbe's. From joining us almost daily in sorting and at so many of our special events, Raul has been one of our strongest champions!

Thank you for all you do Raul; we're so glad you're here!

 
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VOLUNTEER EVENTS!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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

  • Create or login to your GetConnected volunteer account. From the Opportunities page you can view open shifts in calendar or list view and select 'Respond' to sign up. You can respond as an individual or a Team.

  • 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.

    1. Select 'Respond as a Team' >

    2. Select 'Create a New Team' > name your Team > OR 'Use One of My Teams' if returning with a previous Team

    3. Select 'Add Me' to add yourself to the Team > and check yourself as the Team Leader

    4. 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)

    5. 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

    6. Select 'Continue' > Check the box for shift you are registering your Team for > select 'Finish'

  • Children 8-12 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. When you arrive please check in via the link emailed to you or the tablets in the Volunteer Center.

  • Yes, we close with Kansas City Public Schools weather closures.

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