Volunteer with us

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. From accepting donations and attending events to sorting food, packing hampers, and delivering to our partners, we truly couldn’t do it without you. Your help makes all the difference!

New volunteers – sign up Existing volunteers – sign in

Individual volunteering

We’re excited to welcome you as a volunteer at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region! There are a variety of ways to volunteer and we believe there is an opportunity for everyone. Each volunteer role has its own requirements and commitments, but they all support our mission of ensuring no one goes hungry.

Event volunteers

Event volunteers, or brand ambassadors, are the face of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region at events, campaigns, and speaking engagements. They interact with the public, collect food and cash donations, and share how those contributions make a real impact. Event volunteer shifts are usually available in the evenings and on weekends.

Following are the Roles and responsibilities:

Greet the public and accept donations (cash and food) at events
Ask for donations (applies to some events)
Start conversations with the public about The Food Bank and the impact we’re making in the community

Warehouse volunteers

General warehouse volunteers help with a variety of tasks, including customer service, packing hampers, sorting food (fresh, frozen, and non-perishable), working in the Fresh Approaches Food Centre, order picking, and more. At the start of each shift, volunteers are assigned tasks based on the warehouse’s needs that day. Warehouse volunteer shifts typically take place Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends available.

View opportunities

Warehouse volunteers should be comfortable with:

Lifting up to 50 pounds, reaching, bending, and standing on concrete floors for extended periods.

Working in varying temperatures, including coolers and freezers.

Moving through busy areas with forklift traffic, equipment, and large groups.

Driver or driver assistant volunteer

Transportation team volunteers play a key role in helping The Food Bank of Waterloo Region deliver food to the Community Food Assistance Network, pick up donations from food drives, grocery stores, and corporate partners, and assist with event supply drop-offs and pickups.

Volunteer drivers should be comfortable with:

Heavy lifting and climb in/out of back of truck

Loading food products in and out of truck

Moving through busy areas with forklift traffic, equipment, and large groups.

Driving a 17- to 20-foot straight truck

Group volunteering

Ready to make a difference? The Food Bank of Waterloo Region welcomes corporate and community groups of all sizes to volunteer at our distribution centre and events.

Corporate groups

For corporate groups joining our Engagement program, we can accommodate teams of 10 to 20 people. There is a $750 fee to participate, which helps cover the operational costs of running the program—ensuring we have the resources, staff, and materials needed to make these experiences meaningful. Please note that this fee is not eligible for a tax receipt.

Your group will start with a tour of our facility and a brief training session before diving into hands-on volunteer tasks throughout our distribution centre.

Community groups

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region welcomes community groups such as service clubs, youth groups, and sports teams to volunteer through our Engagement program.

For youth groups, we offer a mix of educational activities, a tour, and non-perishable food sorting during the two-hour session.

To participate in an onsite activity, we ask community groups to organize a food and fund drive and collect at least 250 pounds of food. Prefer to fundraise instead? That works too—just $20 per person helps provide 40 meals for the community!

Community events

Interested in helping out with community events? Just send us an email at volunteer@thefoodbank.ca to get started. Please include the following information in your message:

Group name
Number of volunteers
Main contact information
Whether you’re open to any volunteer opportunities or specifically interested in a certain event (e.g., Canstruction)

Connect with us

Registration

You must register your corporate or community group to participate in an engagement activity at our distribution centre.

Make sure to sign up early, as spots fill up quickly, so we can ensure a meaningful experience for your group!

Corporate group registration

Strengthen bonds within your team while making a meaningful impact. Engage in activities that foster teamwork and social responsibility, leaving a lasting positive influence on the community.

Community group registration

Unite your group around a shared mission to give back. Participate in rewarding experiences that help support and uplift your local community, building connections along the way.

Why volunteer at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region?

Learn more about food insecurity in Waterloo region

Develop new skills while giving back

Connect with others and build meaningful relationships

Get hands-on experience and see our work in action

Make a real difference in the community

Help ensure people facing hunger have access to food

Our featured
volunteers this month

In 2024, more than 4,400 people rolled up their sleeves and volunteered with us—whether in our distribution centre or at fundraising events. Their dedication helps ensure that food reaches those who need it most in our community!

“Volunteering with The Food Bank is a reminder that people in our community care for each other, which is truly beautiful and worth celebrating.”

Diego Vargas-Avila

Volunteer
Distribution centre, sorting food donations and packing orders

“It’s fun to see the food move through different stages in the warehouse.”

Barry Gilhuly

Volunteer
Tamara and Barry Gilhuly volunteer at our distribution centre packing orders requested by our Community Food Assistance Network partners. This involves packing skids with the non-perishable food that’s already been sorted by volunteers.

“Volunteering has been a great way to discover more about the community I’ve lived in for over 25 years.”

John Vogan

Ambassador
John Vogan started volunteering with The Food Bank as a brand ambassador during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, he’s been a familiar face at community events, collecting donations and spreading awareness about our mission.

Frequently asked questions about volunteering

How does The Food Bank's volunteer program work?

We welcome volunteers year-round to help ensure no one in our community goes hungry. If you’re interested in getting involved, start by checking out our current volunteer opportunities and submitting an application.

Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll take part in an orientation session to get you ready for your role. After that, you’re all set to start making a difference!
I want to volunteer. How do I get started?

It’s easy! Take a look at our current volunteer opportunities to find a role that’s a good fit for you. If something catches your interest, fill out an application. A team member will review it and get in touch with next steps. We can’t wait to welcome you to the team!
Does The Food Bank of Waterloo Region offer unpaid placement opportunities?

Yes! We can often accommodate unpaid placements. If you’re interested, please have your group or organization reach out to us at volunteer@thefoodbank.ca, and we’ll be happy to discuss the details.
Can I complete my required volunteer hours at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region?

Absolutely! We’re happy to welcome volunteers who need hours for school or other requirements. Just let us know, and we’ll help you get started!
What is the minimum age to volunteer at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region?
The minimum age to volunteer depends on the role:
- Warehouse volunteer: 15 years old
- Event volunteer: 16 years old (some events allow youth aged 12 to 15 with a parent or guardian)
- Volunteer driver assistant: 18 years old
- Volunteer driver: 21 years old
- Group volunteering: 15 or eight years old, depending on the activity and timing
If you have any questions about specific roles or age requirements, feel free to ask!
Do I need to submit an application or a resume to volunteer?

To volunteer at The Food Bank, you just need to submit an application. Resumes aren’t required! Once your application is reviewed, we’ll reach out to you with the next steps.
Will I have to attend an interview?

For transportation and event volunteer roles, we do require a brief phone interview. It’s just a quick chat to make sure the role is a good fit!
Will I need to submit references?

Yes, for transportation and event volunteer roles, we do require a reference check. It’s part of the process to ensure everything goes smoothly!
Do I need a police check, driver's abstract, or other documentation to volunteer?

Yes, some volunteer roles do require a police check, driver’s abstract, or other documentation. If your role needs any additional checks, we’ll let you know. Don’t worry—any costs for these checks will be reimbursed.

Please hold off on getting a police check or driver’s abstract until we specifically ask you to. We’ll guide you through the process when needed!
Are there certain skills or training I need to volunteer at The Food Bank?

Some volunteer roles do require specific skills, and all the details will be listed in the role description. Regardless of the role, all volunteers are required to attend an in-person orientation session to get familiar with our work and safety protocols.
Is there a time commitment for volunteering at The Food Bank?

It depends on the role! If you’re available during the day and want to volunteer regularly, our warehouse and transportation roles are a great fit. If you prefer occasional volunteering in the evenings or on weekends, event volunteering might be better for you.

We do ask volunteers to commit for about three to six months, as we invest time and resources into your training and onboarding.
Can I volunteer with friends and family?

Yes, absolutely! There are plenty of opportunities for groups to volunteer together. Everyone will need to submit an application and complete an orientation session before volunteering. Most shifts are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so just make sure you and your friends or family sign up for the same shift if you want to volunteer together.
Will I get a letter of reference after I volunteer at The Food Bank?

Yes, we’re happy to provide letters of reference for our volunteers. Just email volunteer@thefoodbank.ca to request one, and we’ll get it to you!
I am a newcomer/international student to Canada. Do I need a work permit to volunteer?

We welcome everyone to volunteer, and since volunteering isn’t paid, a work permit isn’t required. We’d love to have you join us!
I don’t have Canadian references. What should I do?

No worries! Not all volunteer roles require references. If the role does, you can provide references from your home country. If you’re attending school, your instructor can also be a great reference. Let us know if you need any help!
I do not speak fluent English. Can I still volunteer at The Food Bank?

Yes, you can still volunteer! For event volunteer roles, conversational English is required. For warehouse volunteer roles, the ability to understand, read, and follow basic instructions is important. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help!
Can I volunteer for only one role at a time or can I volunteer for multiple activities?

You can definitely volunteer for multiple roles! As long as you complete the onboarding requirements for each role, you’re welcome to take part in more than one volunteer opportunity at a time.
If I have concerns about my volunteer experience, who can I speak to?

Each volunteer role has a designated staff member who acts as your volunteer supervisor. You’ll find their contact info on the landing page when you sign up for shifts. If you have any concerns, we encourage you to reach out to them first. If you’re unable to resolve the issue, you can email our People and Culture Manager at hr@thefoodbank.ca for further assistance.
Can I leave my volunteer duties at any time?

If you need to take a break or leave the volunteer program, just let your volunteer supervisor know. We really appreciate as much notice as possible. If you’re unable to reach your supervisor, feel free to email volunteer@thefoodbank.ca for assistance.