Join the team of #OttawasBestVolunteers
and support the work of the Ottawa Food Bank
Tales of Time and Talent
Want to get involved?
The Ottawa Food Bank operates a warehouse and food distribution centre which supports nearly 100 food programs in our community. We also operate our Community Harvest Farm in Stittsville that grows over 20 different crops. Volunteers support both major activities as well as special events and more.
In addition to Ottawa Food Bank volunteer opportunities, we encourage you to find and contact your local food program by entering your postal code here. Please note that these food programs operate their own volunteer programs, independent from the Ottawa Food Bank.
Individual Volunteers
Individuals, students, and families looking to volunteer can expect to assist with activities such as:
- food sorting,
- working at our farm,
- or with special events like food drives.
The minimum age to register to volunteer is 14 years old with a signed waiver from a parent/guardian.
The Ottawa Food Bank is pleased to verify Community Involvement volunteer hours as part of your Ontario Secondary School Diploma requirements.
Where to start?
Please create a volunteer profile through our Volunteer Hub. With this profile, you will receive information and updates as volunteer opportunities arise!
Questions?
Please reach out to our Coordinator of Volunteer Resources, Adam Janes, at adam@ottawafoodbank.ca or by calling 613-745-7001 ex 138.
Corporate and Community Group Volunteers
Corporate and community groups interested in booking a group food sorting shift at the Ottawa Food Bank or helping at our Community Harvest Farm should email our Manager of Volunteer Resources, Jo-Anne Turple, at joanne@ottawafoodbank.ca.
Summer Student Volunteer Program
Each summer, we accept a limited number of high school student volunteers for July and August to assist with food sorting in our warehouse.
Space is limited to a maximum of 30 participating students, who are scheduled for one food sorting shift per week, with the chance to sign up for additional shifts in the case of cancellations, vacations, etc.
For an overview of the Ottawa Food Bank’s food sorting role, please click here. Please note that we do account for students taking vacation time during the summer, after being trained in this work. Placements are confirmed on a first-come basis for individuals who meet the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the summer student volunteer program, youth are required to:
- be a minimum of 14 years of age and under 19 years of age. This age segmentation is to support high school students aiming for the completion of mandatory community volunteer hours.
- Have a registered volunteer profile with the Ottawa Food Bank. If you haven’t already, you can create your volunteer profile via our Volunteer Hub.
- Provide a waiver signed by a parent/guardian.
If you’re planning on volunteering with the Ottawa Food Bank, please take a moment to read our VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK.
If you’re ready to volunteer with the Ottawa Food Bank, please register to see available VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.
Here's the types of volunteer opportunities we have available :
Sorting Food
We purchase, collect, and distribute food to over 100 food banks and food programs across the city.
This food must be inspected and then organized so it can be distributed to our network and the community.
Ottawa Food Bank Special Events
The Ottawa Food Bank is often invited to participate in special events across the city.
Our volunteers, supported by staff, play a crucial role in collecting food and funds at these events and our own signature events.
Community Harvest Volunteers
Our Community Harvest Farm is always in need of volunteers during the growing and harvesting seasons as we plant, grow, and distribute fresh, healthy produce.
Would you like to volunteer for our member agencies?
If so, please contact them directly.
See how your time & talent make an impact.
Take a look at how our amazing volunteers help change the lives of people in Ottawa by reading our Volunteer Impact Report.
We would not be able to accomplish our mission if it weren’t for the amazing people who donate their time.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Please start by creating a volunteer profile through our Volunteer Hub which can be found here.
Some volunteer roles require orientation and training sessions prior to volunteer participation. If you have a specific volunteer interest, please email Adam Janes, Coordinator of Volunteer Resources for more information.
Individuals with an Ottawa Food Bank volunteer profile will receive email updates regarding volunteer opportunities.
Group bookings are welcomed at our warehouse for food sorting or assisting on our farm. There are capacity limits for each activity. Large groups may require multiple bookings.
The minimum age for youth to volunteer is 14 years of age, and those between 14 and 17 must be volunteering with an adult who is also registered to participate.
Question? Email our Manager of Volunteer Resources, Jo-Anne, at joanne@ottawafoodbank.ca.
Volunteer times vary with the volunteer activity:
- The Ottawa Food Bank’s office and warehouse are open Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm
- Our Community Harvest Farm typically operates 7 days a week, June to September
- Special Event times vary but often include evenings and weekends
Please take a moment to review our volunteer job descriptions.
What is your way to volunteer? If you have particular skill or ability you think would benefit the Ottawa Food Bank, please let us know!
Our typical volunteer opportunities include:
- Food Sorting
- Community Harvest Farm
- Special Events
Comfortable clothing and footwear are encouraged. When volunteering in our warehouse, closed toes shoes are required (no sandals).
When volunteering at special events, or on the farm, the recommended dress will be indicated.
The minimum age to volunteer is 14 years, this includes food sorting and for most special events. Volunteers under 18 years must have adult accompaniment to volunteer at the Community Harvest Farm.
During July and August, Ottawa Food Bank offers limited placements for students to sort food in the warehouse. Youth, 14 years of age and older, are welcome to volunteer at the farm with adult accompaniment as well as to assist during special events like food drives.
We generally do not require a police record check to volunteer with the Ottawa Food Bank.
With frequent media events taking place at the Ottawa Food Bank, photos and/or video footage may be taken during a volunteer activity and released through various media outlets. You will be asked to sign a waiver, including media material, as part of your volunteer application and confidentiality agreement with the Ottawa Food Bank. Volunteers have the right to request not to be included in any media coverage.
Our volunteer program is unable to accept day-of volunteer requests. Individual volunteers and groups are required to book in advance of volunteering with the Ottawa Food Bank.
We have a very flexible approach to volunteering at the Ottawa Food Bank. There is no minimum time commitment or set length of service to participate in the volunteer program.
