Why Volunteer
Volunteering with the GVFB is an impactful way to provide healthy food to those in need.
Some benefits of volunteering:
- Help Others – provide your time and energy to help those in need.
- Meet New People – become part of a community and form new friendships.
- Get Active – improve your own physical and mental health.
- Learn New Skills – volunteering provides an opportunity to learn new skills and can advance your career
- Feel Good About Yourself – volunteering brings fulfilment to your life. Build confidence while having fun!
Application Process
We accept both group and individual volunteer applications. Applications are accepted based on operational needs and availability.
- Apply via the group or individual page (look for the “Apply” button or check for the next application period).
- After review, we’ll contact you by email or phone.
- Accepted groups can begin booking opportunities.
- Accepted individuals are required to attend an orientation and complete a criminal record check through the GVFB.
Volunteer Requirements
- At least 15-years old
- Complete a Criminal Record Check through the GVFB
- A resident of British Columbia (can work or study in B.C.)
- Support the GVFB's mission of providing healthy food to those in need
Pick Your Volunteer Type
Group Volunteers
Looking for a way for your team to give back to the community? Sign up as group volunteers.
Individual Volunteer
Ready to donate your time to GVFB? Learn more to see what roles are available for you.
Volunteer Additional Resources
The following resources provide important information for our Individual and Group Volunteers:
Frequently Asked Questions
For more resources, please review the Volunteer Handbook.
How can I get involved?
All volunteers must complete the application process and sign up for shifts through our volunteer portal (My Impact). We cannot accommodate drop-in volunteers.
Individual Volunteers:
Our individual volunteer opportunities are based on operational needs. Visit the Individual Volunteer page to see when applications are accepted next.
Group Volunteers:
To explore group volunteer opportunities, visit the Group Volunteer page. To sign up for shifts, please submit the Group Volunteering Application form. Please contact groupvolunteering@foodbank.bc.ca to inquire about specific dates and opportunities.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age to volunteer at the GVFB is 15 years old. Please note there are different age restrictions depending on the role.
Do I need to submit a Criminal Record Check (CRC)?
All individual volunteers are required to complete a criminal record check. This is a free process offered through the GVFB. Once received, this form will be sent by the GVFB to the Ministry of British Columbia to be reviewed and processed. Upon request, staff can confirm whether you have been cleared to volunteer. As of January 2024, we will not be providing copies of clearance letters.
Corporate volunteers are not required to complete Criminal Record Checks.
If you receive a fingerprints request letter, you will need to make an appointment at your local RCMP detachment. The letter means the BC Ministry requires confirmation of your identity as there could be someone with a similar name and/or date of birth who is flagged in their system. We will reimburse the cost associated with obtaining fingerprints. Please send us an email with the receipt to volunteer@foodbank.bc.ca to receive your reimbursement.
What is the minimum and maximum group size you can accommodate?
We will only accept group applications that have a minimum of 4 volunteers. Maximum group capacities are dependent on the type of opportunity and location. Please refer to the Group Volunteer page regarding maximum group capacities, which are dependent on the type of role and location.
Can I volunteer if I am a GVFB client?
Clients who access GVFB services are welcome to apply for volunteer opportunities. They can pick up weekly in Burnaby, Vancouver, or on the North Shore when they are not scheduled to volunteer.
Can I volunteer as part of my court-ordered community service hours?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate these requests.
What is your Health and Safety Policy?
The health and safety of our volunteers, clients and staff are of the greatest importance to us.
We have taken the following precautions to ensure that everyone feels comfortable:
- Gloves are required for food handling tasks and will be provided onsite.
- Provide a volunteer briefing at the beginning of each shift that outlines all health and safety procedures.
*To prevent the spread of communicable disease, we ask volunteers to cancel their shifts when experiencing illness.
*Volunteers are NOT insured by WorkSafeBC should an injury occur at one of our volunteer sites.
Do you provide a reference letter?
Volunteering is a great way to gain transferable skills for school, employment, and other applications. We provide reference letters after the completion of 80 hours or a confirmation letter after one shift. Letters must be requested via email at volunteer@foodbank.bc.ca. Please provide at least one week’s notice
We do not provide:
- verbal references
- reference letters to anyone who has not volunteered at the GVFB for 12 months or longer
Are your volunteer sites accessible by transit?
Yes! Our two volunteer sites are accessible by transit. Parking availability varies among our locations, we suggest volunteers commute via transit when possible.
GVFB Warehouse, Burnaby Distribution and Head Office are located at 8345 Winston Street, Burnaby.
Production Street Skytrain, 10-minute walk.
Vancouver Distribution Site is located at 3454 Lougheed HWY, Vancouver.
Rupert Skytrain Station, 6-minute walk.
Are photos or videos allowed?
For privacy purposes, we have restrictions regarding media of any kind. Advanced notice must be provided if you wish to take any content of your volunteer experience. If you are intending to take photos or videos of your volunteer experience, please let us know. Media is only allowed at our Burnaby warehouse.
What is your cancellation policy?
Individual volunteers: The GVFB requires a minimum of 24 hours notice to cancel a volunteer shift.
Group volunteers: The GVFB requires a minimum of one week’s notice to cancel a volunteer shift and 72 business hours’ notice to reduce group sizes.
Event volunteers: The GVFB requires a minimum of 48 business hours notice to cancel a volunteer shift.
