Please take a look at the Volunteer Information Sessions above and sign up for the one that best suits your availability. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Volunteer Coordinator.
The Ottawa Food Bank is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Volunteers are scheduled, as needed, between 9 am and 3:30 pm. The length of each shift varies on an as-needed basis.
We currently do not have regular evening and weekend volunteer opportunities available in our food warehouse.
We do have special events that are frequently held on evenings and weekends. Please identify 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.
Group bookings are welcomed at the Ottawa Food Bank to help sort food in our warehouse or assist on the farm. There are capacity limits depending on the activity. Large groups may require multiple bookings.
The minimum age for youth to volunteer is 14 years.
Please identify your interest in volunteering at an event by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator by email.
What is your way to volunteer? We are open to suggestions if you have particular skill or ability you think would benefit the Ottawa Food Bank, please let us know!
Our regular volunteer opportunities include but are not limited to:
- Office support
- Warehouse help
- Food sorting
- Delivery driver’s assistants
- Farmer field helpers
- Special events assistants
- Work place ambassadors
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 trucks – steel-toed foot wear is recommended.
When volunteering at special events, recommended dress will be indicated.
The minimum age to volunteer is 14 years. 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 records check to volunteer with the Ottawa Food Bank.
With frequent media events taking place on-site at the Ottawa 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 Ottawa Food Bank.
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 to participate in the volunteer program.
