Group Volunteers

Community, Corporate or Church Groups looking to volunteer with us in May and June 2025 can apply now!

We encourage you to stay updated on our volunteer opportunities by following us on social media @vanfoodbank.

You can also learn about the different ways to give here.

Volunteer Opportunities

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Seasonal 50/50 Raffle Steward

We are looking for outgoing groups who want to help us raise funds while having fun!

Seasonal 50/50 Raffle Steward

We are looking for outgoing groups who want to help us raise funds while having fun!

Location:

Hastings Racecourse, 188 N Renfrew Street, Vancouver

Role Overview:

Teams of volunteers will walk around to cover the entire venue (except the casino). As a 50/50 Raffle Steward, you will help us spread awareness and sell 50/50 tickets to racecourse patrons.

Responsibilities:
  • Walking around the venue in teams of 2 or 3 and selling 50/50 tickets to attendees;
  • Handling small amounts of cash;
  • Operating Square reader through iPad;
  • Spreading awareness about the GVFB;
  • Potentially helping the host draw the winning 50/50 ticket.
Required Skills, Abilities, and Experience:
  • Proficient English language skills;
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time;
  • Comfortable communicating with the public in loud and fast-paced environments;
  • Ability to follow directions;
  • Ability to work under minimal supervision;
  • Ability to walk and use stairs;
  • Ability to bend, twist, and lift up to 20 lbs.
Age Requirement:Β 

People aged 19+

Maximum Group Size:

We can accept groups of 4-6 people per shift.

Shift Times:
  • Friday - 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
  • Saturday - 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm
  • Sunday - 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Market Support

Keep our community markets runningβ€”organize, restock, refresh!Β 

Market Support

Keep our community markets runningβ€”organize, restock, refresh!

Locations:
  • 8345 Winston Street, Burnaby
  • 3454 Lougheed Hwy, Vancouver
Role Overview:

Volunteers will play a key role in restocking the shelves with fresh, frozen, and pantry items. This is a great opportunity for your group to work together, ensure the FIFO method is applied to reduce food waste, and directly contribute to supporting the community.

Responsibilities:
  • Quality check and sort perishable and non-perishable deliveries before restocking shelves;
  • Efficiently organize food to ensure proper placement and easy access;
  • Rotate items based on first in, first out (FIFO) method;
  • Ensure areas are well stocked and merchandised to GVFB standards;
  • Sweep and clean the facility to maintain GVFB standards;
  • Monitor parking lot and provide directions to Agencies and vehicles as needed;
  • Recycle packaging and compost spoiled food.
Core Skills and Abilities:
  • Can complete tasks independently;
  • Ability to follow directions and complete tasks in a timely manner;
  • Confident in completing tasks independently with minimal supervision.
Physical Requirements:
  • Can work independently;
  • Ability to stand for three hours;
  • Ability to periodically work in a cooler and freezer (adequate jackets and gloves are provided);
  • Ability to bend, twist, and lift up to 40 lbs safely.
Age Requirement:

People aged 16+

Maximum Group Size:

3 people

Schedule:
Burnaby
  • Monday, 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Vancouver
  • Monday, 8:00 am - 11:00 am
  • Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Produce Packing

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

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 β€” a great workout and team-building experience!

Responsibilities:
  • Take produce from bulk totes and repackage into cardboard boxes;
  • Quality check donated perishables by adhering to GVFB food safety practices;
  • Discard of any spoiled products into ReFeed bins;
  • Move pallets with a manual pallet jack (training provided onsite);
  • 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;
  • 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 materials (up to 40lbs) safely;
  • Ability to complete repetitive tasks.
Age Requirement:

People aged 15+

Maximum Group Size:

8 people

Schedule:
  • Thursday, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Friday, 9:00 am to 11:00 am, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • If you want to bring a group of 10-15 people on Thursday evening, please contact us at groupvolunteering@foodbank.bc.ca.

Fresh Food Sort

Looking for groups to sort and check perishable foodβ€”help fight waste and feed the community!

Fresh Food Sort

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

Location:

8345 Winston Street, Burnaby

Role Overview:

We are looking for Fresh Food Sort volunteers to help with quality checking and categorizing perishable fruit, vegetables, dairy, and deli donations. This food-focused role is great for individuals who want to help rescue food!

Responsibilities:
  • Quality check donated perishables and adhere to GVFB food safety and best before date practices;
  • Dispose of non-consumable products into appropriate waste streams;
  • 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
  • Safely handle spoiled food items, which could involve dealing with mold;
  • Efficiently complete other food sort-related tasks as assigned by the Sort Associate.
Requirements:
  • Detail-oriented to ensure that food is accurately quality checked;
  • Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and safety guidelines;
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with a small team of volunteers;
  • Ability to use manual pallet jack or a willingness to learn how to use;
  • 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 (typically set at 4 to 10 degrees Celsius). Jackets and gloves are provided onsite;
  • Contact groupvolunteering@foodbank.bc.ca to discuss accommodations.
Age Requirement:

People aged 16+

Maximum Group Size:

3 people

Shift Times:
  • Monday - Thursday, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Friday, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Schedule varies depending on the week

Program Packs

Help us assemble these packs in an efficient production line!

Program Packs

Help us assemble these packs in an efficient production line!Β 

Location:Β 

8345 Winston Street, Burnaby

Role Overview:

Each month, the GVFB offers specialized nutrition programs: three Children's Programs and the Seniors' Program, which caters to the needs of our senior clients ages 65+. We are looking for a Program Packs Volunteer to support us with assembling program packs and building orders for our distribution locations.

Key Responsibilities:Β 
  • Assemble nutrition packs with a specific number of items;
  • Set up and take down the production line (tables, supplies, etc.);
  • Restock the production line with food;
  • Sweep and sanitize the packing area;
  • Recycle packaging and compost spoiled food;
  • Assist with other warehouse-related duties as assigned by Sort Associates.
Core Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to work in a noisy environment, active machinery will be present during the shift;
  • Attention to detail is required for ensuring the accuracy of each pack;
  • Efficient at completing tasks within a designated time frame to keep assembly line moving;
  • Teamwork skills to effectively work with others, ensuring a smooth workflow.
Physical Requirements:Β 
  • Ability to stand for three hours;
  • Capability to perform repetitive tasks;
  • Ability to bend, twist, and lift up to 20 lbs safely.
  • ContactΒ volunteer@foodbank.bc.caΒ to discuss accommodations.
Age Requirement:Β 

People aged 15+

Maximum Group Size:

6 people

Schedule:Β 
  • Monday – Tuesday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Shifts offered on select weeks only

Food Distribution - Vancouver

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

Food Distribution – Vancouver

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

Location:

3454 Lougheed Hwy, Vancouver

Role Overview:

Volunteers will work together to provide direct food support to those in need. As a group, you focus on maintaining smooth operations and helping the community on the frontline.

Responsibilities:
  • Create a positive and welcoming experience for clients;
  • Distribute menu items and follow allotment requirements;
  • Restock food stations for fellow volunteers;
  • Recycle packaging and compost spoiled food;
  • Monitor parking lot and provide directions to clients and vehicles;
  • Understand and follow safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment;
  • Sorting and quality checking fresh donations;
  • Sweep and clean the distribution site;>
  • Completing other distribution-related tasks as requested by staff.
Core Skills and Abilities:
  • Proficient in speaking English and able to comprehend instructions in English;
  • Comfortable interacting with the public;
  • Ability to work well with others and communicate effectively;
  • Flexibility to rotate roles as needed;
  • Efficiently complete tasks to keep operations running smoothly;
  • Ability to handle busy periods calmly and effectively;
  • Ability to follow directions and work independently;
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:

5 people

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

Group Volunteer Testimonials

Group Volunteer Partners