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Volunteer Opportunities

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Food Distribution - Burnaby

Support your community through direct food access at our distribution centres!
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Food Distribution – Burnaby

Support your community through direct food access at our distribution centres!

Locations:

8345 Winston Street, Burnaby

Role Overview:

As Food Distribution volunteers, your group will help provide food to those in need. Working on the frontline, you will help create a welcoming experience for clients while supporting the smooth operation of food distribution. This is a fast-paced, team-oriented role that offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community. 

Responsibilities:
  • Create a positive and welcoming experience for clients and provide any organizational updates;   
  • Support with setting up and taking down the distribution site;  
  • Distribute menu items and follow allotment requirements;  
  • Sweep and clean the distribution site and ensure all sharp objects (ie. Box cutters) are put away;  
  • Restock stations, recycle packaging, and compost spoiled food;  
  • Sort and quality check fresh donations;   
  • Monitor the parking lot and provide directions to clients and vehicles;  
  • Understand and follow safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment;  
  • Quality check and sort produce before distribution;  
  • Follow all organizational guidelines and protocols related to translation services and client interactions;   
  • Complete other distribution-related tasks as requested by staff.   
Core Skills and Abilities:
  • Proficient in speaking English and able to comprehend instructions in English;  
  • Ability to interact with the public in a respectful manner;  
  • Ability to work well with others and communicate effectively within a team environment;  
  • Flexibility to support where needed in a dynamic environment;  
  • Efficiently complete tasks to keep operations running smoothly;  
  • Ability to handle busy periods calmly and effectively;  
  • Ability to follow directions and work independently.     
  • Contact volunteer@foodbank.bc.ca to request accommodations.  
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand for four hours;
  • Capability to perform repetitive tasks;
  • Ability to bend, lift, and twist safely up to 40 lbs. Lifting may be required depending on the task.
Age Requirement:

People aged 15+

Maximum Group Size:

5 people

Schedule:
  • Friday, 11:00 am - 3:30 pm, 3:00 pm - 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Food Distribution - Vancouver

Support your community through direct food access at our distribution centres!
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Food Distribution – Vancouver

Support your community through direct food access at our distribution centres!

Location:

3454 Lougheed Hwy, Vancouver

Role Overview:

As Food Distribution volunteers, your group will help provide food to those in need. Working on the frontline, you will help create a welcoming experience for clients while supporting the smooth operation of food distribution. This is a fast-paced, team-oriented role that offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community. 

Responsibilities:
  • Create a  positive and welcoming experience for clients and provide any organizational updates;  
  • Support with setting up and taking down the distribution site;  
  • Distribute menu items and follow allotment requirements;  
  • Sweep and clean the distribution site and ensure all sharp objects (ie. Box cutters) are put away;  
  • Restock stations, recycle packaging, and compost spoiled food;  
  • Sort and quality check fresh donations;   
  • Monitor the parking lot and provide directions to clients and vehicles;  
  • Understand and follow safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment;  
  • Quality check and sort produce before distribution;  
  • Follow all organizational guidelines and protocols related to translation services and client interactions;   
  • Complete other distribution-related tasks as requested by staff.   
Core Skills and Abilities:
  • Proficient in speaking English and able to comprehend instructions in English; 
  • Ability to interact with the public in a respectful manner;  
  • Ability to work well with others and communicate effectively within a team environment;  
  • Flexibility to support where needed in a dynamic environment;  
  • Efficiently complete tasks to keep operations running smoothly;  
  • Ability to handle busy periods calmly and effectively;  
  • Ability to follow directions and work independently.     
  • Contact volunteer@foodbank.bc.ca to request accommodations.  
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand for four hours;
  • Capability to perform repetitive tasks;
  • Ability to bend, lift, and twist safely up to 40 lbs. Lifting may be required depending on the task;
  • Contact groupvolunteering@foodbank.bc.ca to discuss accommodations
Age Requirement:

People aged 15+

Maximum Group Size:

10 people

Schedule:
  • Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
  • Thursday, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Warehouse Support

Help keep daily operations running smoothly by sorting donations, assembling orders, filling snack bags, and so much more!
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Warehouse Support

Help keep daily operations running smoothly by sorting donations, assembling orders, filling snack bags, and so much more!

Location:

8345 Winston Street, Burnaby

Role Overview:

Every day is different in our lively warehouse. As a Warehouse Support volunteer, you will play an important role in our operations behind-the-scenes. From sorting and packing donations to building orders and a variety of warehouse tasks, your flexibility will help keep our operations running smoothly. 

Responsibilities:
  • Quality check and sort perishable (fresh) and non-perishable (dry) items;   
  • Follow GVFB food safety and best before date practice guides when sorting;  
  • Pack sorted donations into boxes and follow specific item count;   
  • Ability to safely identify and handle spoiled food, including food affected by mold;  
  • Dispose of packaging and food into correct bins: garbage, recycling, compost (green bin), ReFeed (blue bin), and Depack;  
  • Follow instructions, procedures, FIFO (First in, first out) and safety guidelines to help maintain the quality and safety of food and beverages;   
  • Palletize items, then wrap, weigh, and label sorted pallets;   
  • Move pallets of produce with a manual pallet jack (training provided onsite);  
  • Organize and repackage sleeves of diapers for orders;   
  • Clean the work area at the end of each shift, including emptying waste bins, wiping surfaces, and seeping and mopping floors;  
  • Understand and follow instructions independently;  
  • Follow safety protocols and procedures to create a safe working environment;  
  • Assist with other warehouse-related duties assigned by Warehouse staff.    
Core Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to work in a busy and sometimes noisy environment where machinery may be operating during shifts;  
  • Strong attention to detail to identify expired, damaged, or spoiled food items;  
  • Ability to perform basic math calculations or willingness to learn;  
  • Ability to work well with others and communicate effectively in a team environment;  
  • Flexibility to assist with different tasks as needed in a fast-paced environment;  
  • Ability to complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines to help keep operations running smoothly.  
Physical Requirements:
Age Requirement:

People aged 15+

Maximum Group Size:

8 people

Schedule:
  • Monday - Friday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm 

Produce Packing

Join us for another busy harvest season as we quality check and package boxes of fresh produce!
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Produce Packing

Join us for another busy harvest season as we quality check and package boxes of fresh produce!

Location:

8345 Winston Street, Burnaby

Role Overview:

Help sort bulk produce into smaller boxes for distribution. It's a great workout and team-oriented experience!

Responsibilities:
  • Take produce from bulk totes (plastic macrobins or totes) and repackage into cardboard boxes;   
  • Quality check donated perishables by adhering to GVFB food safety practices;   
  • Discard any spoiled products into ReFeed bins;   
  • Palletize completed boxes and move pallets with a manual pallet jack (discretionary based on supervisors);   
  • Safely handle spoiled food items, which could involve dealing with mold;   
  • Efficiently complete other food sort-related tasks as assigned by Warehouse staff.    
Core Skills and Abilities:
  • Detail-oriented to ensure that food is accurately quality checked;   
  • Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and safety guidelines;   
  • Ability to perform tasks in a timely manner;   
  • Ability to collaborate effectively within a group.  
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand for three hours;  
  • Ability to bend, twist, and lift up to 40 lbs safely;  
  • Ability to complete repetitive tasks.  
Age Requirement:

People aged 15+

Maximum Group Size:

8 people

Schedule:
  • Monday - Friday, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Opportunities are based on donations received
  • If you want to bring a group of 10-15 people, please contact us at groupvolunteering@foodbank.bc.ca

Fresh Sort

Looking for groups to sort and check perishable food—help fight waste and feed the community!
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Fresh Sort

Looking for groups to sort and check perishable food — help fight waste and feed the community!

Location:

8345 Winston Street, Burnaby

Role Overview:

Volunteers in this role inspect, quality check, and sort donated fruit, vegetables, dairy, and deli items, removing spoiled products and packing safe food for distribution. This active role is ideal for individuals who enjoy hands-on work and want to make a meaningful impact.

Responsibilities:
  • Quality check donated perishables, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, and deli products, adhering to GVFB food safety and best before date practices; 
  • Dispose of non-consumable products into appropriate waste streams (compost, recycling, ReFeed bins); 
  • Move pallets with a manual pallet jack (training provided onsite); 
  • Wrap, weigh, and label sorted pallets;
  • Clean the fresh sort room at the end of each shift; emptying waste bins, wiping all surfaces and mopping the floor; 
  • Safely handle spoiled food items, which could involve dealing with mold; 
  • Efficiently complete other food sort-related tasks as assigned by the Sort Associate.  
Core Skills and Abilities: 
  • Detail-oriented to ensure that food is accurately quality checked; 
  • Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and safety guidelines to ensure the quality of preserved food; 
  • Ability to work independently and perform tasks in a timely manner; 
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with a small team of volunteers; 
  • Ability to use manual pallet jack or a willingness to learn how to use (training provided by staff on-site). 
Physical Requirements: 
  • Ability to stand for three hours; 
  • Ability to bend, twist, and lift up to 40 lbs safely;
  • Ability to complete repetitive tasks;
  • Comfortable working in a temperature-controlled environment (2 to 4 degrees Celsius); 
  • Contact volunteer@foodbank.bc.ca to request accommodations. 
Age Requirement:

People aged 15+

Maximum Group Size:

8 people

Shift Times:
  • Monday - Friday, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm 

Food Preservation

Support with our newest project - preserving fruits and vegetables!
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Food Preservation

Support with our newest project - preserving fruits and vegetables! 

Location:

8345 Winston Street, Burnaby 

Role Overview:

 Volunteers will support the food preservation process from start to finish. This role is ideal for individuals who are comfortable working in a kitchen environment, can work independently, and have a passion for food. Responsibilities involve the use of sharp tools, food processing equipment, and adherence to food safety standards. Volunteers should be able to collaborate effectively with others, adapt to changing priorities, and follow verbal instructions with limited supervision. There may also be opportunities to contribute to research and development activities.

Responsibilities: 
  • Wash, trim, peel, slice, chop, and dice fruit and vegetables according to staff instructions and standardized cutting methods; 
  • Use sharp kitchen knives and approved cutting equipment safely and correctly to prepare produce for preservation processes; 
  • Follow staff guidance on proper knife handling, cutting techniques, and workstation setup to ensure efficiency and reduce the risk of injury; 
  • Wash, handle, and safely clean sharp objects (including knives and cutting tools) as part of routine kitchen cleanup; 
  • Clean up the food preparation station and compost food waste;  
  • Lay fruit and vegetables out on trays; 
  • Safely handle spoiled food items, which could involve dealing with mold and common food allergens;
  • Clean and sanitize dehydrator and freeze dryer racks and other items as needed;  
  • Prepare and process food in the Food Prep Room (temperature-controlled room, 4 to 10 degrees Celsius); 
  • Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including a hair net when handling food;
  • Efficiently complete other food preservation-related tasks as assigned by the Food Preservation Associate.  
Core Skills and Abilities:   
  • Comfort and confidence using sharp kitchen knives for food preparation;
  • Experience or comfort with cutting, slicing, dicing, trimming, and peeling fruit and vegetables; 
  • Ability to remain focused, alert, and attentive while handling knives and performing repetitive cutting tasks; 
  • Willingness to follow staff instructions on knife use, cutting techniques, and safety practices;
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and quality control procedures to ensure products meet organizational standards;
  • Ability to work independently and perform tasks in a timely manner; 
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with other volunteers and staff; 
  • Food Safe Level 1 is not required but considered an asset. 
Physical Requirements: 
  • Ability to stand for up to three hours;  
  • Ability to bend, twist, and lift materials safely (up to 40lbs); 
  • Ability to complete repetitive tasks, including cutting and food preparation; 
  • Demonstrates safe knife-handling practices at all times; 
  • Comfortable working in a temperature-controlled room (exposure to changing temperatures). 
  • Contact volunteer@foodbank.bc.ca to request accommodations. 
Age Requirement:

People aged 18+

Maximum Group Size:

4 people

Schedule:

Monday  - Friday from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

 

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Testimonials

"Volunteering as a team feels like building connections while delivering meaningful impact."
Ellis Don
"My favorite moment has been seeing people from across the business unite to give back to the community we serve. It really highlights the strength of teamwork and shared purpose
Bird Construction
“Volunteering made us appreciate all the work the GVFB team do day after day as they work to ensure individuals and families are fed. I would recommend they (future groups) come ready to lend support wherever there is a need. The needs are very simple basic things that make a lot of difference. Also remember to come with a smile. Its amazing how far every smile reaches in the heart of the client. The GVFB team were fantastic to work with.”
Amazon
"The experience of volunteering together strengthened our relationships and was a great reminder that working together can be so meaningful - not just for our work colleagues, but for our community as well. It is a very different experience than our time spent in the office, where we have our meetings and deadlines. Volunteering brought colleagues together from different areas within our company that wouldn't normally work alongside each other. It makes it easy to connect, and work together more naturally, while focusing on doing something good together.
BCLC
"Beyond the technical skills, this experience fostered important life lessons in compassion, responsibility, and community service. Volunteering in a real-world environment like your warehouse helped students build confidence and a strong sense of contribution. Each student has walked away inspired and full of gratitude for having the opportunity to be in action while volunteering. "
Rockridge Secondary School
It is the best kind of team building event you can have. Not only are you making a difference in the community, but you get to see your co-workers in a new light and work with them in a different context. This does a lot to build and strengthen positive team dynamics.
McElhanney