JUNE 2026
“Volunteers come for the mission and stay for the friends they’ve made.” – David Bayer
Welcome to The Orange Heart!
Food Share’s June Volunteer Newsletter
What a season it’s been! From the excitement of the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive to celebrating you during Volunteer Appreciation Week, Food Share has been buzzing with energy, generosity, and community spirit.
Our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast was a wonderful reminder of just how special our volunteer family is. Congratulations to Dale, who took first place in the dessert contest, and to the 10 volunteers recognized for their 500-hours of service with branded tote bags and swag. We loved spending our morning celebrating the heart of Food Share—you! Enjoy photographs below.
May also marked a very special birthday for one of our most dedicated volunteers, Herb turned 89! 🧡 Our oldest active volunteer, Herb still volunteers three times a week and even hits the gym on his “days off” from packing senior kits. Herb, your energy, commitment, and kindness inspire us all. We are so grateful for you! Thank you for continuing to show up, pitch in, and make a difference for neighbors across Ventura County.
Now comes the big job: sorting and boxing all the amazing food collected during the Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. We need your help! To keep up with the increased donations, we’re expanding our rescue shift opportunities with:
- Tuesday & Thursday morning and afternoon shifts
- Thursday evening shifts from 5–7 p.m.
- Saturday morning shifts from 9–11 a.m.
All shifts are at foodshare.com/volunteer.
Looking ahead, there are even more fun ways to get involved, come by and say hi at the Father’s Day Car Show at Channel Islands Harbor on June 21 or volunteer at our family-friendly orange gleaning day at the home of Ingrid Loh in Somis, on July 18.
Volunteer Impact
2026 so far!
Volunteers
Volunteer Hours
$
Value of volunteer hours!
Stories & Impact
What’s Fresh at Food Share
Food Share Named Non-Profit Partner of the Year
In March, Food Share honored to be named Non-Profit Partner of the Year by California State University Channel Islands. In April, Monica White has, yet again, received the prestigious award of being a Top Women in Business with The Pacific Coast Business Times. In May, Food Share was, yet again, voted one of the Top Places to work on the Pacific Coast.
Rescue Area Refresh
Our Rescue Area got a refresh! Laura and Carlos transformed the space with fresh paint and improved functionality.
News Flash!
Food Share was in the news often over the past few months! View Press
Some of you may remember we had a team from PBS filming at Food Share in November 2024. That PBS show Earth Focus (Season 7 Ep 4) filmed an interview with Monica White about food inequality click here to watch it.
Spotlight on Service!
“Volunteers are the heart of Food Share, and reaching 500 hours of service is an incredible milestone. We are so grateful for this group’s dedication, compassion and commitment to helping feed our community.” — Monica White
“We wanted our students to experience a life changing experience, and we can’t think of anything more valuable than Food Share”
— Craig Floyd and Fred Alvarez from Ojai Valley School
“I retired and was looking for something fun and rewarding to do”
— Nancy Haven
Corporate Group Highlights
California Lutheran University – College Park Distribution
Five volunteers distributed 1,080 food boxes, providing 900 meals to neighbors in need.
Yardi
Fifty Yardi staff members volunteered at College Park, distributing 1,800 USDA bags — equal to 1,500 meals for the community.
Northrop Grumman
Ten Northrop team members volunteered on produce, packing 12,960 pounds of fresh produce on April 10 and 9,984 pounds on April 24 – this is the equivalent of 19,000 meals.
Patagonia
Six Patagonia volunteers helped sort rescued food, supporting the distribution of 3,758 meals to Ventura County neighbors.
Other Ways to Help
Mark Your Calendar!
We Want to Hear From You!
Your Voice Matters
What do you think of The Orange Heart? Too much? Not enough? Want to see something added? We’d love your feedback—help us make this newsletter even better! 🧡
Email us your thoughts:
volunteer@foodshare.com
Your Community Engagement Team
LAURA THOMSON
Volunteer Events
Coordinator
LILIE GURROLA
Volunteer Engagement
Coordinator
CHARLIE BERTOK
Volunteer Operations
Coordinator
FRANCISCO AVILA
Volunteer Operations
Coordinator
CARLOS PEREZ
Volunteer Operations
Coordinator
Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can volunteer at Food Share?
Anyone 12 years and older can volunteer! Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need to sign up in advance?
Yes. All volunteers must register in advance through our online volunteer portal.
What will I be doing as a volunteer?
Tasks vary by shift and may include sorting and packing food, assembling boxes or bags, and helping at food distributions. There is a description of activities when you register, and training will be provided on arrival.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes are required. Dress comfortably with clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, and be ready to work in a warehouse or outdoor environment. Layers are recommended.
Do you offer community service hours?
Yes! Food Share is happy to verify volunteer hours for school and clubs after your shift is completed. For court-mandated service, please email Lupita Rodriguez grodriguez@foodshare.com
How long are volunteer shifts?
Most shifts are 2–3 hours, though times can vary depending on the project or event.
Can groups volunteer together?
Absolutely! We welcome corporate, school, faith-based, and community groups. Group leaders should contact us in advance to schedule.
Do I need special skills or training?
No experience is needed—just a willingness to help and lift the required weight per volunteer description. We’ll provide all the training and guidance you need during your shift.
Where do volunteer activities take place?
Most shifts are held at our warehouses in Oxnard, but we also have off-site opportunities at food distributions and events across Ventura County.
How do I sign up?
Visit our volunteer page at Volunteer Opportunities – Food Share of Ventura County to view opportunities and register for a shift.
Have Questions about volunteering? We’ve Got Answers! Email us at volunteer@foodshare.com
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