Editor’s Note: This article was written for Mosaic, an independent journalism training program for high school students who report and photograph stories under the guidance of professional journalists. 

It’s early on a chilly, overcast Saturday as long lines of families pulling shopping carts wait their turn in front Stonegate Elementary in San Jose, ready for Second Harvest of Silicon Valley to start distributing produce. Among the volunteers preparing boxes of vegetables and fruits are sleepy high school students from San Jose area high schools.

If he weren’t helping out, “I’d probably be in bed watching soccer,” said volunteer Jaeon Kim, a freshman at Lynbrook High School, as he rubbed his eyes.

“Honestly I’d probably be sleeping too,” confessed Sean Chae sheepishly, a freshman at Valley Christian High School.

San Jose public and private high schools require students to complete a set number of community service hours in order to graduate. “The requirement is for students to get out of the classroom … to experience things hands-on,” said Julianne Johnston, mission operations manager at Notre Dame High School.

Families wait in line for volunteers to distribute produce at Stonegate Elementary School in San Jose on Feb. 1, 2025 2025. (Photo by Iris Sanchez/Mosaic) 

With increasing demand and tight budgets, nonprofits like Second Harvest rely heavily on volunteers. Mandatory community service means high schoolers help agencies ensure a lifeline for those in need. Some student volunteers just put in the hours. Many others grow into the experience.

Fourteen-year old Monica Pistritto said she started volunteering as a way to opt out of sports at Lynbrook High School. “I just, like, didn’t want to do any sports,” said Pistritto as she readjusted her latex gloves.

On a recent afternoon, Pistritto stood behind a table full of produce, ready to hand out food to families at Our Lady of Refuge Church in San Jose. The church parking lot filled up rapidly, families spilling out of their cars to line up under the midday sun.

“People think that teenagers are just like, addicted to their phones and stuff,” Pistritto said, “so I think it’s a good thing for them (teens) to actually be doing things.”

Since the pandemic began, nonprofits like Second Harvest have shifted from primarily corporate volunteers to students who provide free, year-round helping hands. Groups’ needs are good news for high schoolers searching for community service hours.

Volunteer check-in at Second Harvest facility on Curtner Avenue in San Jose in San Jose on Feb. 1, 2025. (Photo by Iris Sanchez/Mosaic) 

“When the pandemic shutdown happened, you know, it really gutted our volunteer program and it took a while to build a new workforce,” said Eddy Shahin, volunteer engagement manager at Second Harvest of Silicon Valley.

In 2024, high schoolers made up almost 40% of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley’s volunteer workforce, totalling 14,724 students.

Shahin finds she doesn’t have to look far for volunteers. Students seek out Second Harvest. Jobs like distributing food to families bring them face-to-face with a world outside of school. “The work they do here is going to impact community members in as little as two days,” Shahin said.

“I don’t think I would have done it if it wasn’t required,” admits Min Ahn Vo, a junior at Lincoln High who’s almost completed her 30-hour requirement with Second Harvest. “But when I do it’s very rewarding seeing their faces.”

Two other Lincoln High volunteers at the food bank, both freshmen, have differing takeaways.

“I enjoy it,” said Xavier Cervantes as he waited for his ride after school. “I plan to continue.”

Arthur Garcia has mixed feelings. “I just stand there because I have to be there, but I’m happy because I get food too.”

With packed schedules, the service requirement by graduation can loom large even though the hours are spread across four years.

“Some students just don’t have the time,” said Alexa Ruvulcaba, a freshman at San Jose High, barely fitting in a snack before soccer practice.

Families wait in line for volunteers to distribute produce at Stonegate Elementary School in San Jose on Feb. 1, 2025 2025. (Photo by Iris Sanchez/Mosaic) 

Lauren Weston, executive director of Acterra, an environmental non-profit, empathizes with her student volunteers about the pressure they’re under.“It’s not as easy for everyone,” Weston said. “But I think it really gets students thinking about what they’re passionate about. ”

Working alongside students at Second Harvest, 72-year-old Kim Cunningham has watched as students learn a different kind of lesson.

“A lot of school is theoretical. Take a test, get a grade. There’s a place for that,” said Cunningham. “But to know that you’re depended on, relied upon, to do a job and complete the job, now that is really valuable.”

Iris Sanchez is majoring in English/creative writing at San Jose State University.