Individual Volunteers

General applications (ages 15+)Β 

Apply here

Seasonal 50/50 RaffleΒ  Steward (ages 19+)Β 

Apply here

Volunteer Opportunities

Β We encourage you to stay updated on future volunteer opportunities byΒ  following us on social media @vanfoodbank.

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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!Β 

Location:

8345 Winston Street, BurnabyΒ Β 

Role Overview:

Help sort bulk produce into smaller boxes for distributionβ€”it’s a great workout and team-oriented experience.Β Β 

Responsibilities:
  • Take produce from bulk totes and repackage into cardboard boxes;Β 
  • Quality check donated perishables by adhering to GVFB food safety practices;Β 
  • Discard any spoiled products into ReFeed bins;Β 
  • Move pallets with a manual pallet jack (training provided onsite);Β 
  • Safely handle spoiled food items, which could involve dealing with mold;Β 
  • Efficiently complete other food sort-related tasks as assigned by the Sort Associate.Β Β 
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;Β 
  • Ability to bend, twist, and lift materials (up to 40lbs) safely;Β 
  • Ability to complete repetitive tasks.Β 
Age Requirement:

People aged 15+Β Β 

Schedule:
  • Thursday, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pmΒ 
  • Friday, 9:00 am to 11:00 am, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pmΒ 

Fresh Food Sort

Β Looking for volunteers to sort and check perishable foodβ€”help fight waste and feed the community!Β 
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Fresh Food Sort

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

Location:

8345 Winston Street, Burnaby

Role Overview:

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

Responsibilities:Β 
  • Quality check donated perishables and adhere to GVFB food safety and best before date practices;Β 
  • Dispose of non-consumable products into appropriate waste streams;Β 
  • Move pallets with a manual pallet jack (training provided onsite);Β 
  • Wrap, weigh, and label sorted pallets;Β 
  • Clean the fresh-sort room at the end of each shiftΒ 
  • Safely handle spoiled food items, which could involve dealing with mold;Β 
  • Efficiently complete other food sort-related tasks as assigned by the Sort Associate.Β 
Core Skills and Abilities:Β 
  • Detail-oriented to ensure that food is accurately quality checked;Β 
  • Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and safety guidelines;Β 
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with a small team of volunteers;Β 
  • Ability to use manual pallet jack or a willingness to learn how to use;Β 
  • Ability to stand for three hours.Β 
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to bend, twist, and lift materials (up to 40lbs) safely;Β 
  • Ability to complete repetitive tasks;Β 
  • Comfortable working in a temperature-controlled environment (typically set at 4 to 10 degrees Celsius).Β  Jackets and gloves are provided onsite;Β 
  • Contact volunteer@foodbank.bc.ca to discuss accommodations.
Age Requirement:

People aged 16+Β 

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

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!Β 

Location:

8345 Winston Street, BurnabyΒ 

Role Overview:

Volunteers will be part of the food preservation process from start to finish. We are looking for individuals who can support weekly, complete tasks independently, and have a passion for food!Β Β 

Responsibilities:Β 
  • Wash and process products (chop/slice and lay out on tray);Β Β 
  • Clean up the food preparation station and compost waste;Β Β 
  • Consistently wash utensils throughout the shift;Β Β 
  • Safely handle spoiled food items, which could involve dealing with mold;Β Β 
  • Clean and sanitize dehydrator and freeze dryer racks and other items as needed;Β Β 
  • Efficiently complete other food preservation-related tasks as assigned by the Food Preservation Associate.Β Β 
Core Skills and Abilities:Β Β Β 
  • General knife skillsΒ 
  • Ability to follow directions and work independently.Β Β Β 
  • Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and safety guidelines to ensure the quality of preserved food;Β Β 
  • Ability to work independently and perform tasks in a timely manner;Β Β 
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with other volunteers or staff involved in the preservation process.Β Β 
Physical Requirements:Β 
  • Ability to stand for three hours;Β Β 
  • Ability to bend, twist, and materials (up to 40lbs) safely;Β 
  • Can practice safe knife handling skills;Β 
  • Ability to complete repetitive tasks;Β Β 
  • Comfortable entering and exiting a walk-in freezer and cooler (exposure to changing temperatures). Jackets and gloves are provided onsite;Β 
  • Contact volunteer@foodbank.bc.ca to request accommodations.Β Β 
Age Requirement:

People aged 18+

Schedule:

Tuesday - Thursday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pmΒ 

Β 

Parking Attendant Support

Guide clients and keep traffic flowing at the distribution line!
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Parking Attendant Support

Guide clients and keep traffic flowing at the distribution line!Β 

Location:

8345 Winston Street, BurnabyΒ Β 

Role Overview:

Volunteer as a parking attendant and be a vital part of making distribution run smoothly! You’ll help guide traffic, ensure a safe and organized parking area, and enjoy the fresh air while helping us provide healthy food to those in need.Β Β 

Responsibilities:Β 
  • Clearly communicating with Parking Attendant staff to coordinate traffic flow and address issues efficiently;Β 
  • Directing clients and vehicle traffic to ensure the parking lot is clear;Β 
  • Monitor the parking area for any potential hazards or issues, ensuring the safety of both drivers and pedestrians;Β 
  • Ensuring parking spots are available for designated clients (ex. Single parents and individuals with a disability sign);Β 
  • Controlling the speed and flow of traffic;Β 
  • Greeting clients, answering general questions, and redirecting queries to the Parking Attendant when necessary;Β 
  • Assisting staff with setting up/tearing down distribution sites (signage, stanchions, tents);Β 
  • Completing other distribution-related tasks as instructed by staff.Β 
Core Skills, Abilities, and Experience:Β 
  • Excellent communication skills;Β 
  • Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods, sometimes in varying weather conditions;Β 
  • Ability to follow directions and complete tasks independently;Β 
  • Ability to give clear directions and communicate effectively with drivers and fellow staff;Β 
  • Ensure vehicles are parked safely and efficiently while monitoring the overall parking area;Β 
  • Ability to handle unexpected situations calmly and efficiently;Β 
  • Enjoys interacting with the public;Β 
  • Frontline, retail, or customer service experience is an asset;Β 
  • Ability to speak multiple languages is an asset.Β 
Physical Requirements:Β 
  • Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time;Β 
  • Comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions (heat, cold, rain)Β 
  • Ability to lift and move cones, signs, or light equipment (up to 20lbs) safelyΒ 
Age Requirement:

People aged 18+Β 

Schedule:

Friday from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pmΒ 

Commitment:

Weekly shifts for 3 months (3 shifts per month). Opportunity to extend volunteer efforts after 3 monthsΒ 

Application Process:Β 
  • Contact us at volunteer@foodbank.bc.ca to share your earliest start date.Β 
  • Depending on your availability, we will send an application.Β 
  • Accepted applicants will be invited for an in-person orientation and trial shift.Β 

Program Packs

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

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

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

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

Locations:Β 
  • 8345 Winston Street, BurnabyΒ Β 
  • 3454 Lougheed Hwy, VancouverΒ Β 
Role Overview:

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

Responsibilities:Β 
  • Create a positive and welcoming experience for clients;Β 
  • Distribute menu items and follow allotment requirements;Β 
  • Restock food stations for fellow volunteers;Β 
  • Recycle packaging and compost spoiled food;Β 
  • Monitor parking lot and provide directions to clients and vehicles;Β 
  • Understand and follow safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment;Β 
  • Sorting and quality checking fresh donations;Β 
  • Sweep and clean the distribution site;Β 
  • Completing other distribution-related tasks as requested by staff.Β 
Core Skills and Abilities:Β 
  • Proficient in speaking English and able to comprehend instructions in English;Β 
  • Comfortable interacting with the public;Β 
  • Ability to work well with others and communicate effectively;Β 
  • Flexibility to rotate roles as needed;Β 
  • Efficiently complete tasks to keep operations running smoothly;Β 
  • Ability to handle busy periods calmly and effectively;Β 
  • Ability to follow directions and work independently.Β 
Physical Requirements:Β 
  • Ability to stand for four hours;Β 
  • Capability to perform repetitive tasks;Β 
  • Ability to bend, lift, and twist safely up to 40 lbs. Lifting may be required depending on the task;Β 
  • Contactβ€―volunteer@foodbank.bc.caβ€―to discuss accommodations.Β 
Age Requirement:

People aged 15+Β 

Schedule:Β 
BurnabyΒ 
  • Friday, 11:00 am - 3:30 pm, 3:00 pm - 7:30 pmΒ 
  • Saturday, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, 12:00 pm - 3:30 pmΒ 
VancouverΒ 
  • Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, 12:30 pm - 4:30 pmΒ 
  • Thursday, 12pm - 4:00 pm, 3:30pm - 7:30 pmΒ 
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Volunteer Appreciation

We want our volunteers to feel valued and appreciated during their volunteer journey. Below are some of the fun ways we celebrate our volunteer community:

  • Monthly social media spotlights
  • Annual awards
  • Volunteer socials
  • Monthly raffle contests
  • Swag (t-shirt & pins)

Testimonials

"I feel like I am contributing to a good cause with genuinely good people. I remember seeing a tiktok video of a client from Peru reviewing and preparing the food we had given them, it helped me realize that, although we do not always have time to have lengthy conversations with the clients, our presence does make a change; and that at the end of the day: people have food on their table."
PierreFood Distribution
"I love meeting all kinds of people from different cultures and backgrounds, be that a client, fellow volunteers or full-time staff. It feels like a collaborative effort. I refer to many full-time staff and volunteers as not just colleagues but friends."
AndyFood Distribution
"I realize the value that volunteering brings to both the organization and the volunteer, and I have been lucky enough to be able to schedule my volunteering into my work week."
CaroleAgencies
"Volunteering at the GVFB has allowed me to play a small part in helping food get out to people in need. As a warehouse volunteer, there is always something to do, offering the perfect opportunity to stay active and healthy. It's a mutually beneficial experience where I help those in need and feel good doing it."​
JohnWarehouse
"It was very enjoyable to chat with the clients and work as a team with the staff and other volunteers who were all friendly and made great friends. An additional unexpected bonus was that I am much stronger from lifting potato and onion bags so often!"
StephanieFood Distribution