Become a Volunteer

Every hour counts. In 2024, a total of 6,314 volunteer hours were clocked! Our volunteers are extremely important and help us to accomplish our goals.

Volunteer Opportunities

Kawartha Lakes Food Source

There are a variety of ways to donate your time with the Kawartha Lakes Food Source. Perhaps you are looking for a fast paced social role? Perhaps being a Food Drive volunteer would be rewarding for you! Looking for a more flexible and independent role? Try weeding and harvesting in our gardens!

The following are short highlights of the different volunteer positions available with the Kawartha Lakes Food Source. For more information regarding any of the following, please complete the contact form below or phone us at 705-324-0707.

  • Categorizing the non-perishable food that is brought into our Distribution Centre.

    Checking items over for the integrity of the package and the best by dates.

    Most often done with team members.

    Please note: There is extensive time spent walking, standing, bending and lifting up to 30lbs

    Shifts are 3 hours each.

  • Planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting at any of our three gardens.

    Greeting community members who drop by our open access gardens to pick fresh produce and supporting them if they have questions about harvesting.

    Both independent and team work.

    Flexible shifts.

  • Picking up donations from businesses and community members

    Occasional drop-offs of donation barrels to community partners or specific destinations.

    Requires occasional heavy lifting and a valid driver’s license.

    Independent work.

    Shifts are approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the number of pickups or drop-offs.

  • Preparing meals which are given to community members through our food banks or summer lunch program.

    Processing and preserving foods to extend their lifespan for our food banks and their clients.

    Requires Safe Food Handling Certification from the local Health Unit.

    Requires teamwork.

    Shifts lengths depend on the recipe.

  • Attending community events either hosted by KLFS or other organizations.

    Providing information regarding KLFS and answering questions.

    Volunteer must be comfortable speaking with the public about the organization and/or asking the public for donations, if the event requires it.

    Shifts are usually 1-3 hours and are infrequent.

  • Asking community members to donate.

    Providing information about KLFS and answer questions.

    Volunteer must be comfortable speaking with the public about the organization.

    Shifts are 2 hours each.

Volunteer Opportunities

Lindsay Community Food Market

The Lindsay Community Food Market is a non-traditional food bank owned and operated by Kawartha Lakes Food Source. We emphasize the importance of choice and self-sufficiency to support individuals and families as they work towards strengthening their future. Located off-site from Kawartha Lakes Food Source, we offer pick-up or in person shopping-style appointments for clients.

Volunteer positions at LCFM require direct interactions with food bank clients. Sensitivity and thoughtful communication skills are very important for many positions.

  • Unloading food deliveries at LCFM, unpacking inventory and shelving items. Attention to detail, heavy lifting, bending and extensive walking involved.

  • Volunteers use the client’s preference sheet to choose appropriate food and personal care items to fill food hampers.

    Other tasks may include restocking shelves, organizing stock (checking for best before dates) and repackaging loose items (such as granola bars) etc. Extensive walking and standing are required.

    Please note this shift is not public-facing when scheduled on Thursdays, it is however public-facing when scheduled on Tuesdays.

  • After clients receive their hampers, volunteers will then assist clients by selecting perishable food and any extras that may be available that day. Extensive walking and standing are required.

    Please note this shift is public facing, both on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

  • Volunteers take clients through the market and help them follow our shopping guidelines.

    Other tasks may include restocking shelves, organizing the stock room, etc. Extensive walking and standing are required. Volunteers arrive before the market opens to set up for the day.

We accept youth volunteers!

If you are under 18 years old, you must ask for a Youth Volunteer Consent form, which is to be filled out and signed by a parent or guardian.

Interested? Contact us!

If you would like to volunteer with us or have questions about volunteering, fill out the form below and one of our team members will get back to you.