Help us build a community free from hunger.
With the incredible support of our volunteers, we provide over 4,500 families each week with access to fresh, nutritious food.
Join us and make a difference in your community!
I love volunteering at Food for Life! I feel more connected to the community, I value the interactions I have with the neighbours, volunteers, and staff. I feel because you can see, in real time, how food rescue provides support, it feels very meaningful to be part of this type of organization.
Food for Life volunteer
New Volunteers
After completing your application, please sign up to attend a virtual volunteer information session to get started.
Current Volunteers
Sign into your account to view your profile and manage your shifts.
Volunteer Requirements
Required Shoes
Closed toe, closed heel shoes are required for all volunteer roles.
Age Requirements
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old to volunteer independently. 12-13 years can volunteer with an adult registered to volunteer on the same shift (Pack Room only).
Pre-Registration
Volunteer shifts must be registered in advance for their volunteer shift (no drop-in volunteering).
Different Ways to Volunteer
Fresh Food Packer
Support our mission-critical pack room, where volunteers assess, sort, and pack food for our community programs and agency partners.
Market Volunteer
Support the vibrant Mountainside Market, where neighbours in need can access fresh food weekly.
Driver Assistant
Ride along with a Food for Life staff driver in one of our 4 refrigerated trucks, assisting with the pickup and delivery of food in the community.
Special Events
Volunteer for a special event in support of Food for Life.
Program Volunteers
Support a volunteer-led community program, distributing food to our neighbours in need each week.
Other Opportunities
Learn more about hosting a Food Drive or Fund Drive or get involved with group volunteering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Volunteers are welcome to participate in the capacity that suits their availability and interests. We offer opportunities that allow volunteers to select their own schedule, as well as opportunities to commit to a weekly shift. Volunteers can support a one-time event or continue to support Food for Life regularly.
Volunteers are required to complete a 2-step orientation before they can begin volunteering:
Currently, Food for Life does not require a police check to volunteer.
Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes (sneakers, running shoes, or boots) are required for all volunteer roles. Many of the spaces in our warehouse are temperature-controlled (cold), so volunteers are encouraged to wear layers and bring a sweater or jacket.
High school students are welcome to volunteer for their community involvement hours. We suggest students get this opportunity approved by their school prior to registering with Food for Life. Volunteer hours cannot be guaranteed. If you have a specific deadline for your community involvement hours, please contact volunteer@foodforlife.ca prior to registering.
Food for Life is located at 2258 Mountainside Drive in Burlington. Our office hours are generally 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday.
Please contact our Volunteer Manager at volunteer@foodforlife.ca or call us at 905-635-1106 ext. 224. Assistance is available Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The best ways to learn about volunteer opportunities are to register for a volunteer account and attend a Volunteer Information Session. You can also follow us on social media for news and information.