Volunteer FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering
We are very proud of our volunteers at the Burlington Food Bank, and we try to do our best to make sure your time spent helping us out is as rewarding as possible.
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Our Food Bank is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 11:45 am, and Thursday evenings 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Volunteers are scheduled, as needed. The length of each shift is typically 30 minutes prior to and 15 minutes following our hours that we are open
We currently do not have Thursday evening volunteer opportunities available at our food bank.
We do have special events and fundraising opportunities that are frequently held on evenings and weekends. Please let us know about your interest in volunteering at an event by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator by email. You will be sent email notifications when volunteers are required for upcoming events.
Yes, group bookings are welcomed at the Burlington Food Bank. Due to space limitations and safety in our food sorting area, the recommended maximum number of participants is 10. Groups larger than this may be required to book multiple sessions.
Families with small children should note that the recommended minimum age for food sorting is 10 years.
Groups, up to a maximum of 15, may also want to consider volunteering as Garden helpers, assisting with planting and gleaning fresh fruits and vegetables for our client’s use.
Please identify your interest in volunteering at an event by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator by email.
Comfortable clothing and footwear is always encouraged. When volunteering in our warehouse, closed toes shoes are required (no sandals). If you are volunteering on our delivery truck – steel-toed foot wear is recommended. When volunteering at special events, recommended dress will be indicated.
- The recommended minimum age of children volunteering with family in our warehouse is 10 years, and youth under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Youth volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult
- Delivery assistants must be a minimum of 18 years of age
We are pleased to assist high school students in the completion of the 40 hours of community volunteer hours.
Please note that our regular hours of operation often preclude students from volunteering on-site but we welcome their participation during PD Days and school breaks (dependent on availability of volunteer opportunities) and as volunteers at our special events throughout the year. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator by email to express your interest.
Please note that all students are responsible for recording their hours and having their record sheet signed/authorized by supervising Burlington Food Bank staff.
We generally do not require a police records check to volunteer with the Burlington Food Bank.
Volunteers are scheduled, as needed. The length of each shift varies on an as-needed basis.
With frequent media events taking place on-site at the Burlington Food Bank, photos and/or video footage may be taken throughout the duration of your volunteer activity and released through various media outlets. You will be asked to sign a waiver as part of your volunteer application and confidentiality agreement with the Burlington Food Bank.
Individual volunteers and groups are required to book in advance of volunteering with the Burlington Food Bank.
We have a very flexible approach to volunteering at the Burlington Food Bank. There is no minimum time commitment to participate in the volunteer program.
We do accept individuals with court appointed hours however, we are unable to accept anyone who has a violent offense. Hours, dates, and times must be pre-approved and arranged through the CSO supervisor in advance.
The Burlington Food Bank works with established community partners to place individuals with court appointed hours. For more information on our Community Service Order (CSO) Program please contact Robin Bailey at (905) 637-2273
Help us feed the hungry in Burlington!
Volunteering is not only a great help to us,
it’s also incredibly rewarding for those who give their time.
The kind-hearted people, who volunteer with the Burlington Food Bank, help us in the most hands-on way possible to move our neighbours beyond hunger. See our Volunteer Impact Report.
Individuals, students, and families looking to volunteer on a regular basis throughout the year must attend a Volunteer information Session (less than an hour in length). These sessions provide information on the Burlington Food Bank, volunteer opportunities, and include a tour of our facility.
Corporate and community groups interested in booking a lunch n’ learn program at the Burlington Food Bank or participating in our Community Garden program should email Robin for more information and to book a visit.
If you’re planning on volunteering with the Burlington Food Bank, please take a moment to read our VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK.
If you have any questions, please email Robin Bailey.
Information Sessions &
Volunteer Opportunities
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