Compassionate LA:

Hunger Has No Place Here

Too many of our neighbors are unsure where their next meal will come from. Today, 1 in 4 Angelenos faces hunger—but together, we can change that.

Many people want to help but don’t always know where to start. If you’ve ever asked, “Where can I volunteer?” or “How can I make the greatest impact?” you’re in the right place.

Explore meaningful opportunities to support our neighbors, strengthen food security, and be part of a Los Angeles where everyone has the chance to thrive. Find a role that inspires you—and start turning compassion into action.

All of these below will make a significant difference toward feeding our neighbors - when you find one that interests you, click on the link and you will be taken to some volunteer opportunities in that category. If you cannot find an opportunity near you, please email us at info@volunteer-collective.org, so that we can find you a place to volunteer.

Food Pantries

Food pantries are the lifeline of food security for many of our neighbors. Volunteers make it possible for these organizations to serve their communities by packing boxes, sorting fresh produce, organizing donations, distributing food, and supporting the many behind-the-scenes activities that help ensure food reaches those who need it most.

Community Gardens

Love to garden? Put your passion to work by joining community gardens that grow fresh, healthy food for neighbors facing food insecurity. From planting and harvesting to maintaining shared spaces, volunteers help bring nutritious food and stronger connections to communities across Los Angeles.

Gleaning

Ever wondered what happens to perfectly good food that would otherwise go to waste? Gleaning volunteers help “capture” surplus food from farms, markets, and other sources, redirecting it to food organizations and ensuring it nourishes our neighbors instead of ending up in landfills.

Neighborhood Food Donations

PORCH is a nonprofit Volunteer Collective is introducing to Los Angeles. They will teach you how to organize a monthly food donation effort in your own neighborhood. By collecting nonperishables and delivering this food to your local food pantry, you can make a significant impact on your own time line primarily without leaving your neighborhood.

Food Preparation

Food is more than a meal—it is a reminder that someone cares. Volunteers help prepare nutritious, easy-to-share meals such as sandwiches and other portable foods that can be distributed to neighbors through community organizations.

Meal Preparation & Delivery

A home-cooked meal can make a meaningful difference. Volunteers can prepare or deliver meals to seniors, homebound neighbors, and community organizations, providing not only nourishment but also a sense of connection and care.

Community Refrigerators

Community refrigerators offer another way neighbors can share food directly with one another. Volunteers can donate approved food items to these publicly accessible refrigerators, helping ensure that fresh food is available to those who need it most.