As of August 3rd, 2022, the GVFB is pausing all new individual volunteer applications.

We have recently hired a new Volunteer Engagement team, within our HR group, who is currently focused on reviewing and developing our volunteer programming; we need a bit of time to make it fabulous!

If you have submitted an application to volunteer recently, prior to August 3rd, 2022, your application will be processed and you will be notified when you can schedule to volunteer with us.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Types of Volunteering

Warehouse

Food sorting is a fun activity that is perfect for individuals who enjoy organizing and categorizing items. Volunteers will sort fresh, frozen and dry food items into their respective categories, pack donations for distribution, and perform quality checks on dents and best before dates. This is a very important role; there are a number of mysterious items that are donated every day and not all of them are suitable for food distribution. The role is located in our Burnaby warehouse and it is quite physical. Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes to your shift as you will be working in an active warehouse.

Food Distribution

Volunteers will assist our staff with direct food distribution across our three sites: Vancouver, Burnaby, and New Westminster. Volunteering at our distribution locations provides one on one interaction with food bank clients who are in need of weekly food support. It is a highly rewarding and enjoyable role, but it does involve a significant level of physical activity. The main responsibilities include site set up and tear down, food distribution, food sorting, line management and other tasks as assigned. Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes to your shift as you will be working in a busy site with moving equipment.

Community Events

Throughout the year the GVFB holds community events ranging from golf tournaments and grocery campaigns to festivals and seasonal events like the Santa Claus Parade or the Turkey Trot. These are one-off events and don't have a minimum shift requirement. General tasks include promoting the GVFB, talking to the general public about what we do, accepting donations, and setting up and taking down information booths.

Administration Roles

Administration volunteering is a great way to gain professional office experience. Most roles require basic computer knowledge and customer service skills. Roles include reception and administration support for different departments. You can expect to speak with donors and clients, respond to emails, complete data entry and provide general admin support.

Community Agency Partners

Through our Community Agency Department we support 120 Agency Partners including neighbourhood houses, after school programs, transition houses, indigenous centers and many others. There are two different roles you can sign up and volunteer for to help support our Partners!
Agency Pick-Up Assistant
(Burnaby and Vancouver Markets).
- Work directly with our Agency Partners to help with their weekly order pick-ups, including weighing their orders and tracking the products appropriately.
Agency Restocking Volunteer
(Vancouver Market only)
- Help keep our Vancouver Market clean and organized by restocking, sorting, and tidying both the fresh and dry product areas.