Ways to Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of Burlington Food Bank. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, we are able to support our community with dignity and kindness. We currently have more than 250 active volunteers in a variety of roles, all helping to provide fresh and nutritious food to those who need support. To learn more about volunteering at Burlington Food Bank, click on a link below.
Volunteer Opportunities
We have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities within the food bank, in our gardens, and at events out in the community for both individuals and groups.
Ongoing Volunteers are those that have a set schedule within the food bank. Best for those that can commitment to a specific day and/or volunteer position.
Occasional volunteers are those that help out at the food bank on a more flexible schedule. They are often called upon to fill in for our regular volunteers or help out at events.
Looking for an activity for your organization? Interested in a team building exercise for your corporate group? Consider volunteering at the food bank!
Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions – we have answers! (And if it isn’t answered here, please email us at volunteer@burlingtonfoodbank.ca)
Volunteering begins by completing an online application. This creates a profile for you in My Impact, the app we use to schedule volunteers. From there, you will asked to attend an information session and complete at least two training sessions (this will vary by role).
Volunteers are need at Burlington Food Bank (1254 Plains Road) Monday to Friday 8am – 3pm; Thursday evenings from 4pm – 7:30pm; and Saturdays from 8:30am – 12:30pm. Garden volunteers are needed from early April to late October. Special event volunteers are need primarily on weekends and after hours.
The time commitment is up to you! We have ongoing volunteers who have regular shifts as well as occasional volunteers who fill in when they can. All scheduling is handled through My Impact which maks it easy to find a time that works for you.
Our volunteers help with everything from serving clients, picking up donations, stocking and cleaning, working in the gardens, to administrative work. For a full list of roles and descriptions, please see the list on the volunteer application.
We welcome students to volunteer. We will provide signed community hours forms for high school students.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age (or turning 16 this year).
To volunteer at BFB you must be at least 16 years old (or turning 16 this year). Some volunteer roles require one or more of the following:
- police check
- clean driving abstract
Once you begin to volunteer, you will be asked to complete specific certifications.
To volunteer, you will be asked to sign confidentiality waiver.
You will also be asked to sign a photography release (not mandatory).
While we welcome volunteers, we ask that all volunteers sign up through My Impact.
We do accept individuals with court appointed hours; however, we are unable to accept anyone who has been convicted of a violent offence. Hours, dates, and times must be pre-approved and arranged through the CSO supervisor in advance.
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 Christina Mulder at (905) 637-2273.