Volunteers are the heart and soul of our programs.
Volunteer applications are now open for the Spring/Summer 2025 semester. Please click the link below to find more information and to apply.
If you are looking to volunteer for Fall 2025 please fill out this form and you will be notified when our next round of recruitment opens up. Fall recruitment will begin during July.
The Campus Food Bank depends on volunteers for several areas of our programming:
Office volunteers are responsible for the success of the supplementary grocery program. They spend two hours at the Campus Food Bank per week on a set shift.
Program volunteers host our grocery bus program, run our breakfast program, check in our pantry and coordinate WECAN food basket pickups throughout the year. Hour commitment varies based on the program you are volunteering with.
Garden volunteers help support the CFB grow fresh food for our clients. This position is run through the spring/summer months and requires 2-4 hours per week on Tuesdays or Thursday evenings.
Drivers support our various pickups around the city to collect food donations. Some positions require a vehicle and others require the ability to drive the CFB van. Clean abstracts are required with this role.
Trick or trEAT volunteers support our annual Trick or trEAT food drive in October. This position will open during the fall semester and volunteering will be October 25th, 2025.
If you require accessibility accommodations to apply or serve as a volunteer, please email volunteer@campusfoodbank.com or call us at 780-492-8677.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Applications for volunteering open up about 1-1.5 months before a new semester begins. Each application includes a form to fill out and a virtual interview.
Due to a large number of applications and limited office space not all who apply will be selected to interview or volunteer. We encourage those who are unsuccessful to reapply the following semester!
Those selected to volunteer will complete an in person orientation at the Campus Food Bank. New volunteers are also required to complete our asynchronous training modules before beginning their first shift.
If volunteering is closed please fill out this form to be notified when they open again. Applications will open 3-4 times per year and will be open for about two to three weeks.
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Volunteers will hold the same volunteer shift and schedule for one semester. All who join our volunteer team commit to volunteering for a four month period. Returning volunteers can choose to commit for another four month period or step back from volunteering. Returning volunteers do not need to reapply and get first choice in the volunteer schedule.
Shifts average about 2 hours a week on a consistent schedule.
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All volunteers must be a part of the University of Alberta community as a student, staff or alumni*. They also must commit to following our beliefs and commitments to allow a safe space for all clients.
Clients are welcome to volunteer!
There are some physical aspects to volunteering, including unloading supplies and restocking shelves. If you require accommodations please let the outreach manager know.
*For Trick or TrEAT or garden volunteering we allow anyone to volunteer regardless of university status.
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Our volunteers learn practical and transferable skills such as public relations, presentation skills, safe food handling, and working with a diverse community. Through volunteer committee work, you can acquire leadership skills and share your voice in our longer-term strategic work
We have personal development activities, celebrations and snacks throughout the year for our student volunteers!
Volunteers can also serve on committees to support the long-term strategic work of the CFB, including equity work, fundraising, event planning, PD, wellness & nutrition content development, and social media.
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The CFB offers occasional group volunteering opportunities!
Typically they will involve a 1-2 hour session of repacking our bulk items into smaller packages. However the tasks vary depending on the time of year.
Availability of this opportunity can change yearly based on client hours and staff capacity. If you are looking to book a group volunteering event please reach out to volunteer@campusfoodbank.com to learn more about the process and discuss timing.
Groups are also welcome to volunteer together at Trick or TrEAT in October. They can also run a food drive or collect monetary donations at all times throughout the year.
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For more details on our volunteer program, email us at volunteer@campusfoodbank.com.
Successful volunteer applicants are committed to the Campus Food Bank's mission to eliminate hunger on campus and must attend all interviews and the mandatory training sessions. Preference will be given to current students at the University of Alberta.