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.