choose when you volunteer
Get involved
Drive a rescue.
Claim a rescue in the app, pick up food a business can't sell, and drop it at a nonprofit across town. 55+ neighbors already drive.
Volunteer using our app
Three steps, your schedule.
Join Feed Tahoe in our mission to end food insecurity and prevent food waste in South Lake Tahoe through our volunteer-led food recovery app.
- 1 Choose whenChoose when you want to volunteer.
- 2 Claim a rescueClaim a food rescue from a local business.
- 3 Deliver itDeliver it to one of Feed Tahoe’s nonprofit partners fighting food insecurity in South Lake Tahoe.
In as little as 30 minutes of your time, you can support food access for your neighbors. You’ll see the impact of food recovery and distribution firsthand!
To volunteer, download the app and allow notifications
Prepare for a food rescue
Ready for your first run.
Thank you for joining Feed Tahoe! We want you to feel excited and prepared to volunteer with us, so here are videos and answers to help you prepare for your first food rescue. If you have any additional questions or need support, text our Feed Tahoe Dispatch Line at 530-539-1719.
Review our Volunteer Welcome Packet
It has up-to-date information on Feed Tahoe guidelines and policies. If you have any questions about how the app works, expectations, best-buy dates, and unaccepted food items, this packet will answer them. Please read the Expectations of Volunteers page thoroughly to understand our policies.
please review before your first rescue
Enable notifications in the app
In the FeedTahoe app, click “Account” from the left-hand menu and go to “Preferences”. By clicking “All Available Rescues”, you will never miss a new food rescue opportunity: you’ll get a notification on your phone in real time when a new rescue is open to claim, so you can find the perfect rescue to fit your schedule.
Note: notifications are only sent between 8am and 8pm.
check your app settings before your first rescue
Questions, answered.
How do I know when a rescue is available?
Enable notifications in the FeedTahoe app to get notified when a new rescue is available, or view the “one-time” or “recurring” rescue tab.
What do I do when it’s time to do my first rescue?
Review the videos and information on this page and text 530-539-1719 if you have any questions. Then go to the hamburger menu in the app, “My rescues”, and hit “Start rescue”.
Where do I park when picking up or dropping off?
We recommend using the mapping software in the app and following the pins. The app has specific instructions for each location that has parking recommendations.
Should I take extra food if offered to me by the food donor?
It depends on whether the app says “exact” or “estimate”. If the donation is an estimate, adjust the details on the donation page. If it says exact, only take exactly what is listed in the app.
Can I make a stop along the way?
No, please go from Point A to Point B. This is for food safety.
How much food is in a pickup?
Donation amounts vary, but average loads are 10 to 20 lbs. There are larger rescues from grocery stores that yield many boxes with weights up to 50 pounds.
Can someone tag along with me on the rescue?
Yes! Feel free to bring a family member, friend, or someone interested in learning how to volunteer!
What do I do if a problem comes up?
Please text the FeedTahoe Dispatch Line at 530-539-1719 ASAP.
What do I say when I arrive?
“Hello, my name is ________ and I am with FeedTahoe. I am here to pick up the food donation and bring it to the nonprofit.”
Where can I view the rescues that I’ve claimed?
Go to the hamburger menu, and “View my rescues”.
Can I share pictures on social media?
Yes! Please tag us at @marcellafoundation #feedtahoe
What happens if I miss or am late to multiple rescues?
While we understand that emergencies come up unexpectedly, we ask our volunteers to do their best to complete a claimed rescue within the given time window. That said, if you have more than 4 “no call, no show”s, then we will have a conversation about a better volunteer opportunity.
Still wondering? Text the Dispatch Line at 530-539-1719.
Volunteer sign-up
Count me in.
Leave your name and email, and we’ll be in touch.
Thank you, friend!
We’ll be in touch!
Food Rescue Hero spotlight
Already driving? Tell us your story.
We’re excited to spotlight our incredible volunteers and share your stories with the community! We feature a different volunteer to celebrate your contributions and inspire others to get involved. Tell us about yourself, how you got involved with Feed Tahoe, and your experiences with us.
Thank you, friend!
Your story helps shine a light on the impact we can make together!