Make volunteering part of your New Year’s resolution

The new year is a chance to reset, grow, and set intentions—making it the perfect time for a New Year’s resolution.

If giving back, trying something new, or making new connections is on your resolution list, have you considered becoming a volunteer in the community?

Volunteers are the core of everything we do at Daily Bread Food Bank. Their time and commitment help ensure emergency food reaches the more than 1 in 10 Torontonians who rely on food banks. Simply put, our impact wouldn’t exist without their support.

Want to volunteer on an ongoing basis? Here’s how to get started. (This process is for individual volunteers ages 15+. For opportunities to volunteer in groups, like through your workplace or school, check out this page.)

1. Learn about the available volunteer opportunities at Daily Bread.

As a volunteer, you can sort and repackage donated food, build pallets of food for delivery to local food banks, prep meals in our kitchen, serve clients at our on-site food bank, and more. Which area interests you?

2. Create an account on Volunteer Hub, our volunteer management system.  

This will allow you to book your first online information session, and this is where you’ll book all future volunteer shifts. If you’re not able to volunteer regularly but would like to sign up for one of our Saturday public food sorts, which happen three or four times a year, you can register for those as soon as they become available, without attending an information session. 

3. Sign up for a virtual information session.

During this session (which is pre-recorded) you’ll learn more about us, the various ways you can volunteer, health and safety policies, and more.

4. Chat with us on a 10- to 15-minute “get to know you” call.

After your information session, book an introductory call with us. During the call, we’ll learn more about you and figure out the best fit for you in terms of your schedule and interests.

5. Book your first shift in Volunteer Hub for the area you’ve been matched to.

These orientation shifts will now populate and be visible in your Volunteer Hub account. At your first shift at our 191 New Toronto Street facility, you’ll meet other volunteers and receive in-person training for your volunteer area.

6. Book more shifts up to three months in advance.

All available shifts for your volunteer area will now be unlocked on Volunteer Hub, and you can book up to three months in advance. Welcome to the Daily Bread volunteer community! We are so happy and grateful you are here.

Ready to volunteer? Start by checking out our volunteer opportunities and signing up for your virtual info session.