Food Bank Assistant

Volunteer Position Description

CFOC – Doors of Compassion (CFOC-DOC) · Durham Region, Ontario

Position Title

Food Bank Volunteer — Next Steps Food Bank

Program

Next Steps Food Bank (food security programming)

Location

158 Harwood Ave S, Suite 203, Ajax ON, L1S 2H6

Reports To

Volunteer Coordinator / Food Bank Lead on shift

Schedule

Bi-weekly Thursdays (distribution) + Monday mornings (delivery offloading) — see below

Screening Required

Vulnerable Sector Screening; Food Handler Certification an asset

Position Summary

CFOC – Doors of Compassion provides low-barrier support to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity across Durham Region. Our Next Steps Food Bank relies on volunteers to receive and sort donations, pack hampers, and welcome community members with dignity and warmth. It is people like our volunteers who truly transform a community through food security programming.

We are looking for volunteers who are dependable, work well as part of a team, and treat every person who comes for support with respect and without judgment. This role suits people who enjoy hands-on, active work. High school students seeking to complete volunteer hours are welcome to apply.

Schedule and Upcoming Change

• Current schedule: food bank distribution runs bi-weekly on Thursdays, with food delivery offloading on Monday mornings.
• Effective September 2026: distribution will transition to a weekly schedule. Monday morning delivery offloading will continue.
• When applying, please note your availability for Monday morning offloading, Thursday shifts, and weekday afternoons. Specific days and times are confirmed before your first shift.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Receiving and unloading donations

• Safely unload food items from delivery trucks and donation drop-offs
• Carry boxes and containers to designated sorting and storage areas
• Handle items with care to prevent damage or spoilage, and report damaged goods or packaging issues right away

Sorting, inspecting, and organizing

• Check all products for expiry dates on arrival; set aside expired or near-expiry items and notify the lead
• Ensure no expired products are stored for distribution; document dates on inventory as needed
• Sort items by category — proteins, produce, canned goods, dry goods — and separate perishables from non-perishables
• Group like items together and organize the sorting area following established protocols

Packing and portioning hampers

• Pack food hampers and boxes according to household size and dietary needs
• Portion bulk items into individual servings or standard quantities where required, keeping portions consistent and appropriate to patron needs
• Repackage items into containers for distribution as directed

Storage and stock rotation

• Place items in the correct storage location — shelving, refrigeration, or freezer — at the correct temperature
• Follow the First In, First Out (FIFO) method to rotate stock and support inventory counts as directed
• Keep storage areas clean, organized, and properly ventilated, and report any concerns (temperature, humidity, pests) to the supervisor

Distribution and patron support

• Assist with distributing food to community members during service hours
• Greet and interact with patrons in a welcoming, respectful, and non-judgmental manner
• Support patrons in accessing the items they need, offering choice where possible

Cleanliness, safety, and communication

• Keep work areas clean throughout the shift and follow all food handling, health, and safety protocols, including handwashing and gloves where applicable
• Report hazards or safety concerns immediately
• Communicate clearly with team members, ask for clarification when needed, and support other volunteers or staff as directed
• Raise any concerns or feedback with the Volunteer Coordinator
• Assist with special food drives, community events, and outreach as needed

Working With Patrons

Our approach is low-barrier, person-centred, and non-judgmental. The food bank is often where that approach is most visible.

• Serve everyone equally — patrons are never asked to justify their need, and access to food is never conditional
• Keep interactions warm and respectful; never comment on a patron's circumstances, appearance, or the support they are receiving
• Maintain healthy boundaries — no personal contact information, money, rides, or gifts given or accepted
• Protect privacy — what you see or hear stays within the organization and is never shared outside your shift or on social media

Requirements and Key Competencies

• Physical ability to lift, carry, and organize items up to approximately 25 lbs regularly, and to stand for extended periods
• Attention to detail — expiry dates, quantities, and organization
• Reliability and punctuality, with advance notice when unable to attend a shift
• Teamwork, clear communication, and willingness to follow direction
• Willingness to follow food safety protocols; Food Handler Certification is an asset but not required
• A respectful, non-judgmental attitude, discretion, and respect for confidentiality
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Screening; minimum age 14 (high school students welcome for volunteer hours)
• Closed-toe, non-slip footwear and clean, practical clothing on shift

Training, Support, and What You Gain

• Orientation to CFOC-DOC and site-specific training on sorting, food safety, and storage procedures, with a team member on shift alongside you at all times
• Direct experience in community and food security work, practical food handling and inventory experience, and a reference and confirmation of volunteer hours on successful completion of your commitment

How to Apply

To apply, please contact Jessica Pennington, Volunteer & Student Coordinator, at jessica.p@cfoc.ca or call 365 885 8456. Applicants will be asked to provide a resume, after which next steps will be confirmed.

CFOC – Doors of Compassion is committed to equity and inclusion, and welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, faiths, abilities, and lived experiences. Accommodations are available on request at any stage of the volunteer process.