Volunteer with Pete's Garden

Every week, volunteers help turn surplus food into hearty meals for families in need - and have fun while they are doing it. Ready to make a difference? Come join us!

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Be Part of the Change

Why Volunteer with Us

Volunteering at Pete’s Garden isn’t just about working, it’s about transforming food waste into nourishment and building community along the way.

When you volunteer, you:

🥕 Help rescue surplus food and turn it into meals
🍲 Support families facing food insecurity
🤝 Connect with fellow neighbors and caring volunteers
🌍 Join a movement toward sustainable food systems

What Volunteers Do

We offer a variety of ways to get involved, including:

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Packing Meals

Package hearty family meals with care.

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Food Donor

Drop of family meals to agency partners.

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Volunteer

Support fundraisers and outreach events.

Frequently Asked Questions

let’s get you started

We know you might have a few questions before signing up — like how long shifts are, what you’ll be doing, or whether experience is required. Our goal is to make volunteering with Pete’s Garden simple, safe, and rewarding. Here’s what you need to know to get started and feel confident lending a hand.

  • Where does Pete's Garden Operate

    We work at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral at 13th & Broadway, across from Bartle Hall. 

  • What types of food can be donated?

    We accept high-quality, unserved food that can be safely repurposed into family meals. This typically includes proteins, starches, vegetables, and prepared foods from commercial kitchens that were not served to customers.

  • Is donated food handled safely?

    Yes. All food donations are handled following strict food safety guidelines. Pete’s Garden works out of a health-inspected commercial kitchen, and volunteers are trained to properly store, handle, and package meals to ensure safety and quality.

  • What happens to the food after it’s donated?

    Donated food is recovered and repackaged into balanced, family-sized meals. These meals are then distributed through local partner organizations that serve families with children.