Nonprofit
Serve Those Who Serve: Volunteer at Fort Hamilton’s Food Pantry!
Details
Description
Join Food for Health and Blue Star Families at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn for a volunteer opportunity with a unique setting and a meaningful mission! Help bring fresh, nutritious food to the military community while experiencing a side of this active military base that most New Yorkers never get to see.
Our pantry takes place on the first and third Wednesdays of each month and provides free groceries, including fresh produce and other nutritious foods, to active service members, veterans, and other members of the community. Volunteers play an important role in creating a welcoming, organized, and efficient pantry experience. Come ready to work as a team, meet new people, and make a difference!
A little preparation opens the door to a special opportunity: Fort Hamilton is an active military base. Your initial visit requires a REAL ID and a background check to enter. Please allow extra time for this process. Our team will share detailed arrival instructions and next steps before your visit.
Setting: Outdoor fresh foods pantry
Volunteer activities may include:
- Setting up tables and tablecloths
- Unloading, sorting, and displaying fresh produce and groceries
- Welcoming and assisting community members
- Restocking throughout the market
This is an outdoor, hands-on volunteer opportunity, so volunteers should dress comfortably for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Some lifting, bending, and standing is involved, but volunteers will never be asked to lift beyond their ability.
We provide all training on the day of the event and a free bag of groceries to take home with you (please bring a reusable grocery bag).
Whether you can join us occasionally or become one of our regular Wednesday volunteers, we’d love to have you.
Location
Fort Hamilton Military Base
In front of the Blue Star Families office
Directions
Getting to Fort Hamilton
Please enter through the Fort Hamilton Main Gate at Fort Hamilton Parkway and 101st Street. For GPS directions, enter “207 Sterling Drive, Brooklyn, NY” to help route you to the correct entrance.
Public transportation:
- Subway: Take the R train to Bay Ridge–95th Street, the last stop in Brooklyn. Walk along Fourth Avenue toward 101st Street, then turn left and continue one block to the main gate. Allow approximately 10–15 minutes for the walk.
- Bus: Take the B16 or B37 to Fourth Avenue and Shore Road, then walk to 101st Street and follow it toward Fort Hamilton Parkway and the main gate.
Please allow extra time on your first visit for the required background check, and remember to bring your REAL ID.
