Would you like to join our team of Volunteers

Volunteering for Feed Scarborough offers numerous benefits for individual community members, fostering personal growth, community connection, and meaningful impact.

1. Personal Fulfillment and Purpose : Volunteering with Feed Scarborough allows individuals to contribute to a vital cause—reducing food insecurity and promoting dignified access to healthy food. By helping serve over 8,000 residents weekly through food banks, community gardens, meal programs and various long term impact programmes volunteers experience a sense of accomplishment and purpose, knowing they’re making a tangible difference in their community.

2. Skill Development : Volunteers can gain valuable skills depending on their role. For example:
  - Culinary and Organizational Skills: Assisting in the Healthy Meals program or community gardens provides hands-on experience in food preparation, sorting, and packaging.
  - Leadership and Teamwork: Roles like food distribution or coordinating community events foster collaboration and leadership abilities.
  - Administrative and Communication Skills : Opportunities in office tasks or online engagement help develop organizational and digital communication skills.

3. Community Connection : Volunteering creates opportunities to meet and connect with diverse community members, building a sense of belonging. Feed Scarborough’s welcoming environment, as noted by volunteers, fosters friendships and strengthens community ties, particularly in Scarborough’s east end.

4. Learning and Education : Volunteers gain insight into food insecurity issues and sustainable solutions, aligning with Feed Scarborough’s focus on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Programs like FoodHall TO offers exposure to innovative initiatives, such as culinary training and business incubation, broadening volunteers’ understanding of community resilience.

5. Flexible Opportunities : Feed Scarborough offers varied roles, such as food bank assistants, garden workers, or drivers, with flexible shifts (e.g., 4-hour shifts on weekdays or weekends). This accommodates different schedules and interests, making volunteering accessible to students, professionals, or retirees.

6. Positive Work Environment : Volunteers describe Feed Scarborough as a “fantastic experience” with “great people” and an “amazing mission.” The supportive and collaborative atmosphere enhances the volunteering experience, encouraging long-term engagement.

7. Opportunities for Youth : High school and post-secondary students can earn community service hours or gain real-world experience, which is valuable for resumes and future career prospects. Roles in the Youth Farmer Program or community gardens are particularly suited for younger volunteers.

8. Health and Well-Being : Engaging in meaningful volunteer work can boost mental health by reducing isolation and fostering a sense of community. Outdoor roles, like those in community gardens, also promote physical activity and connection to nature.

9. Social Impact and Advocacy : Volunteers contribute to long-term solutions for food insecurity through programs like StartUP Scarborough or community gardens, empowering them to advocate for systemic change and a “Hunger-Free Resilient Scarborough.”