Join us to kick off our 2021 Tax Volunteer Program!

Food Bank For New York City’s free citywide tax assistance program helps low-income families and individuals take a significant step from food poverty toward self-sufficiency. In the last 15 years, Food Bank’s tax program has put more than $1 billion back into the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers. We rely on dedicated volunteers to support this work. Last year, more than 250 volunteers helped prepare returns for thousands of filers!

Due to COVID, we currently anticipate offering two models of tax filing services for Tax Season 2021: CONTACTLESS IN-PERSON (working onsite alongside other volunteers to file returns dropped off in advance by clients), and VIRTUAL (serving remotely from your personal computer to file returns submitted virtually by clients).

Whether you have professional financial experience, are studying in a related field, or are excited to gain new skills, we want YOUR help this tax season! Food Bank For New York City provides free training and IRS tax certification to allow volunteers of all backgrounds to get involved.

WHAT: Tax Prep Volunteer Info Session

• Learn how to get involved in Food Bank’s 2021 tax assistance program.

• Hear from past volunteers on their work and its impacts.

• Meet Food Bank staff and get your questions answered!

• Receive updates on Food Bank's COVID protocols and new virtual models.

WHEN:

Wednesday, December 2nd, 6:00-7:00pm

WHERE:

Virtual on ZOOM (link will be emailed to all registrants)

WHO:

You! We invite all new and returning volunteers to attend this kickoff event to learn more about the VITA program and meet with the Food Bank Tax Team and fellow volunteers who served in past years. Guests/friends also welcome!

Participate individually or with your school or company to return life-changing refunds to low-income New Yorkers. No prior financial experience is necessary; all training is provided free of charge.

WHY:

As a volunteer tax preparer with Food Bank, you will:

• Return an average of $35,000 in refunds to low-income New Yorkers to help put the next meal on the table.

• Obtain FREE IRS tax certification and transferrable financial skills.

• Choose between Contactless In-Person and Virtual VITA shifts, with options available six days a week.

• Build relationships with members of your community and fellow tax volunteers at weekly sessions from January-April.

• Receive a certificate of completion from the IRS and reference letter from Food Bank.

QUESTIONS:

Email taxvolunteer@foodbanknyc.org.

Learn more at www.foodbanknyc.org/VITA.

We will also be hosting another info session on December 9th!

Sign up for the alternate December 9th session here: https://foodbankvitakickoff2.eventbrite.com

About Food Bank For New York City

For over 35 years, Food Bank For New York City has been the city’s major hunger-relief organization working to end hunger throughout the five boroughs. Nearly one in five New Yorkers relies on Food Bank for food and other resources. Food Bank takes a strategic, multifaceted approach that provides meals and builds capacity in the neediest communities, while raising awareness and engagement among all New Yorkers. Through its network of more than 1,000 charities and schools citywide, Food Bank provides food for more than 61 million free meals per year for New Yorkers in need. Food Bank For New York City’s income support services, including food stamps (also known as SNAP) and free tax assistance for the working poor, put more than $110 million each year into the pockets of New Yorkers, helping them to afford food and achieve greater dignity and independence. Food Bank’s nutrition education programs and services empower more than 50,000 children, teens and adults to sustain a healthy diet and active lifestyle on a limited budget. Working toward long-term solutions to food poverty, Food Bank develops policy and conducts research to inform community and government efforts. To learn more about how you can help, please visit foodbanknyc.org. Follow us on Facebook (FoodBank4NYC), Twitter (@FoodBank4NYC) and Instagram (FoodBank4NYC).