How to Attract Volunteers for the Concession Stand

Ah, the concession stand. A glorious land of nachos, Gatorade, and the sweet smell of fundraising success. But none of it runs without one key ingredient: volunteers.

If you've ever tried to fill a concession stand schedule, you know the struggle. People are busy. Emails go unread. And somehow, every parent's calendar fills up the minute you mention "volunteering."

But don't worry—we've got you. Here are 7 real-life, tried-and-true tips to help get more parents, students, and friendly faces behind that counter (with fewer headaches for you).

1. 📝 Make It Easy to Sign Up

If signing up feels like a scavenger hunt, no one's going to do it. Use online sign-up tools like SignUpGenius, Google Forms, or VolunteerSpot to create clear schedules. People can choose a time slot that works for them—without 27 back-and-forth emails.

2. 🏈 Appeal to Specific Groups

Instead of hoping someone steps up, give the responsibility to a group. Have each sports team, grade level, or school club "own" a night or weekend at the stand.

3. 🎓 Promote Service Hours

Need high school students to help? Let them know it counts for service hours for NHS, college apps, and more. It's a win-win: you get more hands, and they get credit plus a resume booster.

4. 💬 Use the Power of the Ask

Sometimes the best way to get volunteers is… to ask them. A quick, "Hey, want to do the 6–7 shift with me next Friday?" goes a long way.

5. 🎉 Highlight the Benefits

Yes, volunteering takes time. But it also has some pretty great perks—make sure people know that!

6. 👨‍👩‍👧 Make It Family Friendly

Let's be real—parents are more likely to say "yes" when they don't have to find a sitter. So make it easy to bring the kids along.

7. 🌟 Keep It Organized & Positive

Volunteering shouldn't feel like a mystery or a punishment. A little appreciation goes a long way in turning one-time helpers into repeat volunteers.

Final Thought: Volunteers Fuel the Magic

Concession stands are more than snack stations. They're where the school spirit lives, memories are made, and dollars are raised. But none of it happens without people willing to roll up their sleeves.

Make it easy. Make it fun. And make sure every volunteer knows they're part of something bigger—because they are.

Need to make your stand easier to run once you do get volunteers? Consider BlazeBite. Our mobile ordering platform keeps lines short, orders organized, and volunteers smiling.