How We Helped Fight Food Insecurity with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank

On May 22, 2025, volunteers from our Volunteer Ambassadors Program headed to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) warehouse in Burnaby for our very first produce sorting and packing session. Our volunteers got hands-on with seasonal fruits and vegetables, helping prepare fresh food for families and individuals across the Lower Mainland.

This seasonal produce packing session played a crucial role in getting fresh, nutritious food out the door to community organizations that provide food hampers and meal programs. Our volunteers were instrumental in:

• Sorting produce from bulk bins into distribution-sized boxes

• Quality-checking apples, bananas, cucumbers, grapes, and potatoes

• Using ReFeed bins to responsibly discard any spoiled items

• Palletizing boxes for delivery and supporting warehouse operations

While the work was physically active, it was also incredibly rewarding. Our volunteers learned about food insecurity, sustainable food practices, and how food banks operate behind the scenes — all while working together in a fun, collaborative setting.

This first session set the tone for what’s become one of our most popular and accessible volunteering opportunities. Whether volunteers were new to the food bank or to volunteering entirely, everyone left feeling connected, useful, and ready to return.

If you're looking for:

• Youth volunteer opportunities in Burnaby or Vancouver (ages 15+)

• Casual, one-time group volunteering for friends, students, or coworkers

• High-impact ways to give back without a long-term commitment— volunteering at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank with our Volunteer Ambassadors is for you!

With this opportunity, there is:

📦 No experience needed

🤝 Team-focused and welcoming environment

🕒 Just a few hours = real community impact

We return to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank monthly (or more!), and we'd love to have you join us. Follow us on Instagram or sign up for the Volunteer Ambassadors Program to hear about upcoming dates.