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

The GVFB focuses on providing healthy and fresh food to those in need. Typically, produce donations are received in large totes, and with your support, we can sort them into smaller boxes for distribution - it's a great workout and teambuilding experience!

Age Requirement:

Volunteers must be at least 15 years old.

Shift Times:

• Thursdays – 9 am to 12 pm, 1 pm to 4 pm
• Fridays – 9 am to 11 am, 1 pm to 4 pm
• Starting in May, Thursday shifts will also be available from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Location:

8345 Winston Street, Burnaby

Group Size:

• Minimum 2 people, maximum 15 people
• We may be able to accommodate larger groups on Thursday evening shifts. If you would like to bring a group of 10-15 people, please contact us at groupvolunteering@foodbank.bc.ca.

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 of 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 the Sort Associate.

Required Skills, Abilities, and Experience:

• 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.

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 that want to help rescue food!

 Age requirement:

• 16+

Shift times:

• Monday-Thursday, 1 pm-4 pm
• Friday, 9 am-1 pm and 1 pm-4 pm
• Schedule varies depending on the week

Location:

• 8345 Winston Street, Burnaby

Commitment:

• This role offers flexible scheduling on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis.

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;

• Cleaning 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.

Requirements:

• 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).

• 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 volunteer@foodbank.bc.ca to discuss accommodations.

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! 

Location: 8345 Winston Street, Burnaby 

Responsibilities: 

• Wash and process products (chop/slice and lay out on tray); 
• Clean up the food preparation station and compost waste; 
• Consistently wash utensils throughout the shift; 
• Safely handle spoiled food items, which could involve dealing with mold; 
• Clean and sanitize dehydrator and freeze dryer racks and other items as needed; 
• Efficiently complete other food preservation-related tasks as assigned by the Food Preservation Associate. 

Requirements:  

• At least 18 years old. 
• Ability to stand for 3 hours.  
• General knife skills
• Ability to follow directions and work independently.  
• Ability to bend, twist, and lift up to 40 lbs.  

Required Skills, Abilities, and Experience: 

• Can practice safe knife handling skills; 
• 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 other volunteers or staff involved in the preservation process. 

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 entering and exiting a walk-in freezer and cooler (exposure to changing temperatures). Jackets and gloves are provided onsite. 
• Contact volunteer@foodbank.bc.ca to request accommodations. 

Shift Times: Tuesday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm 

Age Requirement: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

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. It’s a great way to stay active and contribute to a positive experience for everyone involved.

Join us and make a difference from the outside in!

Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old

Location:  

• 8345 Winston Street, Burnaby  

Shift Time & Commitment:  

• Friday from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm
• Weekly shifts for 3 months (3 shifts per month)
• Opportunity to extend volunteer efforts after 3 months

Responsibilities: 

• Clearly communicating with Parking Attendant staff to coordinate traffic flow and address issues efficiently;
• Directing clients and vehicle traffic to ensure the parking lot is clear;
• Monitor the parking area for any potential hazards or issues, ensuring the safety of both drivers and pedestrians;
• Ensuring parking spots are available for designated clients (ex. Single parents and individuals with a disability sign);
• Controlling the speed and flow of traffic;
• Greeting clients, answering general questions, and redirecting queries to the Parking Attendant when necessary;
• Assisting staff with setting up/tearing down distribution sites (signage, stanchions, tents);
• Completing other distribution-related tasks as instructed by staff.

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills;
• Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods, sometimes in varying weather conditions;
• Ability to follow directions and complete tasks independently;
• Ability to give clear directions and communicate effectively with drivers and fellow staff;
• Ensure vehicles are parked safely and efficiently while monitoring the overall parking area;
• Ability to handle unexpected situations calmly and efficiently;
• Enjoys interacting with the public;
• Frontline, retail, or customer service experience is an asset;
• Ability to speak multiple languages is an asset.

Application Process:

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

This front-line opportunity provides direct food support to those in need. 

As a Distribution Volunteer, you will help staff and volunteers provide efficient food support to clients. In this role, you will focus on the flow of operations and be quite active during your shift. Tasks include line management, restocking supplies, distributing menu items, program packs, and cleaning duties. Sign up today and experience a fast-paced, front-line role that directly supports the community! 

Locations: 

• 8345 Winston Street, Burnaby  

• 3454 Lougheed Hwy, Vancouver  

Responsibilities: 

• Create a positive and welcoming experience for clients and provide any organizational updates; 

• 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 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;

• Completing other distribution-related tasks as requested by staff.   

Required Skills, Abilities, and Experience:  

• Proficient in speaking English and able to comprehend instructions in English; 

• Ability to interact with the public in a respectful manner; 

• Front-line, retail, or customer service experience is an asset;  

• 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 and meet deadlines to keep operations running smoothly; 

• Ability to handle busy periods calmly and effectively; 

• Ability to follow directions and work independently.    

Physical Abilities: 

• 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 volunteer@foodbank.bc.ca to discuss accommodations.  

Shift Times: 

• Burnaby - Friday from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm, 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Saturday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm  

• Vancouver – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm, Thursday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Saturday from 9:15 am to 12:30 pm, 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm 

Support the Agencies team at one of our community markets! Volunteers play an important role in providing quality food, service, and pick-up experiences to our community. Each shift offers a range of tasks to help the day run smoothly, such as restocking the shelves, light cleaning, and quality checking produce. 

Locations:  

• 3454 Lougheed Hwy, Vancouver 

• 8345 Winston Street, Burnaby 

Responsibilities: 

• Quality check and sort perishable (fresh) and non-perishable (dry) 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.

Required Skills, Abilities, and Experience: 

• Ability to follow directions and complete tasks in a timely manner; 

• Flexibility to support where needed in a dynamic environment; 

• Confident in completing tasks independently with minimal supervision. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to stand for two to four hours (depending on shift length); 

• 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: Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. 

Shift times: 

• Vancouver – Monday from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm 

• Burnaby – Monday from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, Tuesday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm