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9/11 Day Meal Packs · Support Staff

Run the floor. Make the day happen.

On September 11, 2026, 50,000 volunteers will pack 20 million meals for families facing hunger in 50+ cities. None of it happens without the support staff that help run the event. Bring your group — or sign up as an individual.

Bring your group → Sign up as an individual →
~10,000
Support staff needed
50+
Cities nationwide
50,000
Packers depend on you
9.11.26
One day, nationwide
Support Staff Volunteers

The job that makes everything run.

Support staff aren't in the background — you're the operation. Here's the day, hands-on, start to finish.

01
Set up & break down
Build the packing line before doors open; tear it down when the last meal is boxed.
02
Check volunteers in
Welcome arriving packers, get them to their stations, keep the energy up.
03
Keep the lines moving
Run the floor — guide flow, swap teams, keep every station productive.
04
Restock & resupply
Keep ingredients, bags, and boxes flowing so packers never stop.
05
Box & palletize
Seal, stack, and load finished meals for the food banks that distribute them.
06
Guide & welcome
Be the friendly face that makes 9/11 feel like the day it's meant to be.
Shift times vary by cityHands-on, on your feetAges 18+Training providedNo experience needed
For partners & groups

Bring your members. We'll handle the rest.

A nonprofit, congregation, campus, team, or service group doesn't send one volunteer — you send a force. Tell us roughly how many and where, and we'll check availability. One conversation can put your whole group on the floor.

  • Reserved support staff spots held for your group at your city's event
  • A dedicated point of contact to coordinate logistics & shifts
  • A simple sign-up link to share with your members
  • Recognition for your organization on the day
Tell us about your group
We'll confirm availability and follow up within a couple of days.
Prefer to talk it through? Email volunteer@911day.org
Sign up as an individual

Find your city.

Not coming with a group? Claim a support staff spot at the 9/11 Day Meal Pack nearest you.

40 cities are signing up support staff now · find yours below

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Don't see your city, or it's full? Tell us where you are and we'll email you the moment support staff spots open. Notify me →
Good to know

Support Staff Volunteer FAQs.

Everything to know before the day — shifts, training, what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect.

Can I volunteer all day?+

Yes. If you would like to volunteer for the full day, please register for each shift.

Is there an age requirement?+

Yes. Support Staff volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate.

What are the roles and responsibilities?+

Support Staff Volunteer roles include Table Captain (leading meal packing lines), Heavy Lifter/Runner (stocking stations and keeping operations moving), and Guest Services (welcoming and assisting volunteers). To help ensure a safe, smooth, and successful event, the 9/11 Day team will assign volunteer roles based on event needs, physical abilities, and where support is needed most.

How do I get to the location? Where do I park?+

Each city will have customized event logistics based on the venue. You will receive detailed information via email a few weeks prior to the event.

Is there training as a Support Staff Volunteer?+

Our local Event Manager will host an optional, but highly recommended, virtual training session for event-day volunteers in early September. The session will be recorded and shared with all volunteers who are unable to attend live. Volunteers will also receive hands-on training on-site from our meal-packing partner. In the meantime, please watch the following video for additional information.

What are the shift times?+

Shift times vary by city. Please click on your city's link for the most up-to-date schedule and event details. Note that Support Staff volunteers are typically asked to arrive 90 minutes before Meal Pack volunteers to participate in on-site training. Please plan accordingly and arrive on time for your shift.

What do I need to bring? What should I NOT bring?+
  • Ticket: Please bring your printed ticket or have it ready to show on your phone for check-in.
  • Bag Restrictions: We strongly discourage bringing large purses, backpacks, totes and other similar items — all of which are subject to search. Please note that no storage will be available on-site. Volunteers may bring a small bag, which can be stored under the meal packing table during the event. Some venues may have additional prohibited items or entry requirements. Be sure to review your city-specific FAQs for the latest information.
  • Food & Drink: Food and drinks are not allowed in the meal packing area. You may bring a water bottle, but it must be consumed outside the main packing area. Water stations will be available.
What should I wear?+

You will receive a 9/11 Day t-shirt to wear on-site and will have a place to change. Wear comfortable and casual clothing. No hats, as you'll need to wear a hair net. Closed-toe shoes are required. The facility is air-conditioned.

Jewelry is not permitted on the meal packing floor, including earrings, watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, and brooches. Medical alert bracelets are allowed. Permanent jewelry (such as permanent bracelets) and hard-to-remove piercings (such as nose rings or cartilage piercings) are permitted.

What can I expect as a Support Staff Volunteer?+

As a reminder, Support Staff Volunteers support the meal packers. You won't be packing meals (unless asked). This will be a long day, so come prepared to be on your feet. We will provide a light breakfast or lunch depending on your shift time. Please watch this video for more information.

After Meal Pack Volunteer registration, the event will begin with an opening ceremony. Volunteers will then work together to package nutritious meals for local community partners. Throughout the event, announcements and milestone celebrations will help keep the energy high as we work toward the shared meal packing goal.

I would like to volunteer to set up the event space before the meal pack event. How do I do that?+

Register for the set-up team through your city's volunteer page. As part of the set-up team, you will help prepare the venue for event day. Responsibilities may include:

  • Setting up packing stations and materials
  • Organizing supplies and inventory
  • Assisting with signage and directional setup
  • Supporting logistics teams and staff leads

This is a hands-on role that helps ensure a smooth and successful event on September 11.

I really want to pack meals! Is there any possibility?+

We may have a limited number of general meal-packing volunteer spots become available closer to the event in select cities. We encourage you to check our volunteer page at 911day.org/volunteer for any updates.

In some cases, Support Staff Volunteers may also have the opportunity to help pack meals during their shift, depending on event needs. Those opportunities are determined on site and cannot be guaranteed in advance.

I have more questions about Support Staff Volunteers. Who do I contact?+

If you have any questions or need help, please contact us at volunteer@911day.org.