🤝 Volunteer with Us! Distribute Food in San Mateo (with Second Harvest)

Start the new year by making a real, tangible difference in our local community. Join us for a morning of volunteering with Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, helping distribute nutritious food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

💖 This time of year can be especially hard for many families, and lending a few hours of our time is a powerful way to support those whose needs are greater than our own. It’s meaningful, hands-on work — and one of those experiences that leaves you feeling genuinely good about how you spent your day.

What we’ll be doing
Volunteers will assist with a drive-through food distribution, helping provide nutritious groceries directly to community members. Tasks may include setup, packing, handing out food, and clean-up, along with offering a friendly, welcoming presence. Second Harvest staff will guide us throughout the event.

Event Details
📍 Location: College of San Mateo, Parking Lot X (off CSM Drive)
1700 West Hillsdale Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94402
📅 Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM (please arrive a little early)
👥 Spots Available: 12 total (including 2 hosts)

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⚠️ Required Individual Registration (Please Read)
Although you are signing up through this Meetup, each volunteer must also complete a brief individual registration with Second Harvest Food Bank. This step is required in order to participate.

After you sign up here, you’ll receive a follow-up message via email from your hosts with the registration link and simple instructions. To ensure accountability and meet Second Harvest’s requirements, every volunteer must be registered by name. Please do not bring guests who are not signed up and registered; they will not be able to participate at this event.

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Participation Guidelines

• If your plans change or you are unable to serve for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible so we can fill your spot. We are committed to providing 12 volunteers.
• This is an outdoor event for the full duration.
• Masks are optional and a personal choice for COVID protection.
• Wear closed-toe shoes (required). Sleeveless shirts and sandals are not permitted.
• Dress for the weather and plan to be on your feet.
• Bring water and snacks.
• Carpooling is encouraged.
• Minimum age: 14
• Adult guardians must actively volunteer with teens 15 and under.
• Electronic parental permission is required in advance for volunteers under 18.

If you need verification of service hours, Second Harvest staff can sign Second Harvest timecards only.

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Second Harvest’s mission centers on ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food with dignity and respect. We’re honored to support that mission — and to do it together as a community.

⏰ Wait List Info
If this event fills up, please add yourself to the wait list. We’ll use it to gauge interest and plan a similar volunteer opportunity in the future.

Let’s begin the year by showing up for our neighbors and making a difference — together! 💛

🔷 See our New Beginnings Group Guidelines HERE

🔴 Support Our Group
We rely on annual member donations to cover Meetup fees and occasional venue rentals. If you haven’t donated yet for 2026, please consider giving $20 (cash) directly to the event host—with your name attached. New to the group? Enjoy a couple of events first — then chip in if it feels like a good fit!

🔴 Liability Reminder
By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guests RELEASE and DISCHARGE the organizers, hosts, and fellow participants from all liability for injuries, illness, damages, death, issues relating to privacy or economic loss arising from activities, advice, or information provided. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety, belongings, and transportation decisions. Choose carpool drivers carefully and consider leaving valuables at home.