Nourishing Hope Program
Volunteers are at the heart of the Nourishing Hope Food Program. By offering your time, you help prepare food hampers and compassionate support to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Every shift helps create a welcoming, dignifying experience where neighbours feel cared for and never alone.
Why Your Help Matters
From greeting guests to preparing custom food boxes, volunteers are at the centre of every dignifying experience we offer. Your time directly supports neighbours facing food insecurity, helping them feel seen, valued, and supported.
What Volunteers Do
Depending on the day, you may help with:
Preparing personalized food hampers
Organizing fresh and non-perishable items
Welcoming guests and assisting with check-ins
Offering friendly, practical support during short appointments
The Impact You Create
When you volunteer, you’re doing more than handing out groceries—you’re nourishing hope. You’re helping neighbours stretch tight budgets, access healthy options, and connect to additional support when needed.
Program Schedule
Our food program operates on two days each week:
🍎 Wednesdays — Appointment-Based (9 AM – 1 PM)
Guests receive 2–3 boxes of food tailored to their needs after a 30-minute support meeting.
Volunteers assist with packing, organizing, and ensuring a smooth, welcoming experience.
🍞 Fridays — Drop-In (9 AM – 1 PM, Limited Slots)
Guests receive a bag of non-perishables and a bag of fresh food (as available) following a 15-minute support meeting.
Volunteers help with intake, packing, and same-day distribution.
Food Sorting Volunteers
Sort rescued food
Pack food hampers based on family or individual needs, as directed by staff
Dispose of organics and cardboard as needed
Assist in setting up and cleaning up-
Food Pick-Up Volunteers
Collect food donations from designated donors, including supermarkets and restaurants (assist our driver in doing food pick-ups).
Safely transport food items to our food program sorting area.
Ensure proper handling and storage of food during transportation.
Assist in unloading and organizing donations. -
Front Program Volunteers
Assist with setting up and taking down our Multi-purpose room.
Greet visitors warmly when they arrive.
Communicate with the downstairs food packing team as needed.
Transport food hampers, via trolleys, from our small freight elevator to the Multi-purpose room where guests receive them.
Inquire Now
Get Involved
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Interested in volunteering or attending one of our programs? Fill out the form and let us know which program you're interested in, and the best way we can contact you. We're looking forward to joining you in the mission of renewing our city.
- The Boundless Vancouver Team
Frequently Asked Questions
GOT A QUESTION?
Send an email indicating your interest to our Volunteer Coordinator: BoundlessVancouver.Volunteer@SalvationArmy.ca
Complete our Volunteer Policy Acknowledgement and Application Form
Complete a Criminal Record Check
Meet our volunteer coordinator to verify information and ask any questions you may have
Sign up for your first shift!
We appreciate all who are interested in being a volunteer and it is also our responsibility to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers and neighbours who may be part of vulnerable groups, including children.
Boundless Vancouver is delighted to provide volunteer opportunities to all age groups. All applicants under the age of 19 must be approved by a guardian. We may require adult (parent or guardian) supervision while volunteering.
Volunteer shifts tend to be upwards of 3 hours. You are more than welcome to contribute more!
Our volunteer shifts are based on operational needs, availability of the volunteers, and seasonal event requirement.
We are unable to accommodate "walk-in” volunteers. You are most welcome to drop in and make an appointment with our Volunteer Coordinator to begin your sign- up process.
Yes, each volunteer will receive training and orientation specific to their volunteer roles.
Wherever possible, volunteers will be given opportunities to attend workshops/seminars relating to the volunteer's area of interest for further advancement.
Yes! Based on the size, age, characteristics of your group, we will match you with volunteer activities based on operational and seasonal needs (e.g. Christmas Toy Shop, Back to School event).