Volunteer

Volunteers Make Our Work Possible 

Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. From sorting and preparing food to helping at our free food markets, volunteers make it possible for us to get food into the hands of people who need it. 

We could not do this work without our volunteers. By providing your time and energy, you offer invaluable support and assistance, fostering a sense of solidarity and compassion in our community. 

Every shift makes a meaningful difference, and there are many ways to get involved. 

Learn more

Get Started

Ready to volunteer? Sign up for a shift that works for you. 

You can volunteer on your own or sign up for a shift together with friends, co-workers, family members, or others. Working alongside people you know is a great way to give back and make a difference together.

Sign up for a shift

Special Request

Some groups and organizations may need additional coordination before volunteering. This includes sports teams, school groups, and other groups travelling together with a supervisor. 

If your group falls into one of these categories, please submit a special circumstances request so we can make sure your volunteer experience is organized and works well for everyone. 

Please note: Special circumstances requests may take 3–5 business days to review.

Submit a Special Circumstances Request

Volunteer Tasks

Two workers in a warehouse or storage room, one woman and one man, surrounded by various colored plastic storage bins and crates on shelves and a table, with a large watermelon in a red bin in the foreground.

Warehouse

Sorting food at the hub of our operations. We're open 364 days a year! (closed Christmas Day only)

  • Checking quality of fruits and vegetables

  • Sorting items according to best before dates

  • Categorizing non-perishable items into groups

  • Morning and afternoon shifts available every day of the week. Evening and late evening shifts available Sunday to Thursday only. This opportunity is located at Tom Harris Regional Food Centre, at 1861 East Wellington Road.

    Morning: 9am - 12pm

    Afternoon: 1pm -4pm

    Evening: 5:30pm - 7pm

    Late evening: 7pm - 9pm

  • Mon, Wed, Thurs and Weekends from 11am – 12:45pm AND 1pm – 2:45pm

    Tues and Friday from 11am – 12:45pm

Free Food Markets

Food is provided to people in need through our network of free food markets in Nanaimo, Port Hardy, Port McNeill & Port Alice. Volunteers help clients "shop" for their food and work outside or inside during a 2 - 2.5 hour shift. 

  • Varying days, times and locations. 

  • Varying days, times and locations. 

Empties Sorting

We collect empty drink containers from 30+ locations on Vancouver Island. These empties then need to be sorted. This is a vital task for volunteers as it is a HUGE fundraiser. In In 2024, we raised $420,000 through our Empties 4 Food program!

  • Our empties sorting volunteer opportunity is located at Tom Harris Regional Food Centre, at 1861 East Wellington Road.

    Mondays
    1pm – 3pm

    Tuesdays
    9am – 12pm
    1pm – 3pm

    Wed, Thurs, Fridays
    9am – 12pm
    1pm – 4pm

Volunteer Terms & Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions

Thank You For Volunteering

Whether you volunteer for one shift or become a regular part of our team, your time helps us provide food and support to people in our community. Thank you for being part of this work. 

To learn more about our organization and how you can help make a difference in the community, please watch this YouTube video. It’s also the first step to launch your volunteer journey with us!

Have a question? Please check our Frequently Asked Questions page