Volunteer at The Stop

Give back to your community by helping us increase access to healthy food in Toronto. The Stop relies on nearly 200 volunteers every year to support programs for emergency food access, community building, advocacy, and urban agriculture.

Every role our volunteers take on contributes to building a stronger, more connected community.

We welcome new volunteers and also can arrange group volunteering opportunities. 

Snapshot: Every year:

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active volunteers

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hours dedicated to supporting our community and improving food security

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feel a greater sense of connectedness to the community through volunteering

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say they learned a new skill through the program

Why Volunteer With Us?

It gives you the opportunity to make a difference in your city by increasing access to healthy food in Toronto.

By volunteering at The Stop Community Food Centre, you can:

  • Build connections, becoming part of a welcoming, supportive community
  • Learn new skills from food preparation to urban agriculture to community programming
  • Make an impact by contributing to your community

Benefits of Volunteering at The Stop

Volunteers have access to a range of services and supports during their shifts to help ensure a welcoming, accessible experience.

Food Bank Access (1884 Davenport)

Volunteers can access The Stop's food bank once a month.

Drop-In Meals

Volunteers are welcome to enjoy breakfast or lunch during Drop-In meal service.

Family & Childcare Support

Volunteers supporting the Healthy Beginnings program can access on-site childcare for children under 4 years old during their shift.

Information & Referrals

Get support for housing, income assistance, healthcare, and other community resources.

Transportation Support

TTC tickets are available for volunteers who need them to commute to their shifts.

Good Food Market Membership

Volunteers receive a Good Food Market membership card and earn stamps to use at the market or redeem for Farmers' Market Bucks.

How to Become a Volunteer

Apply

Submit an application online or in person.

STEP 1

Attend a Volunteer Information Session

Selected applicants are invited to a session at 1884 Davenport Road to learn about our programs, impact, and community values.

STEP 2

Come In for an Interview

Meet with our team to discuss your interests and availability. Once accepted, you’ll begin your volunteer role—often within 1 to 2 weeks.

STEP 3

Note to Applicants

The Stop receives a high volume of volunteer applications and may not be able to respond to each one. Selected applicants will be contacted to move forward. If you don’t hear back, don’t hesitate to reapply after six months. 

Apply Now

Feedback From Our Volunteers

I really enjoy being part of such a community-oriented organization where what I do has a tangible impact on people.

We are here to help, no questions asked…no judgement given except smiles. And when you are ready to ask for specific help we will guide you forward. Try us.

It's a welcoming, approachable, open-minded place where people are friendly and focused on helping others.

Group Volunteering

Have your work, school, or community group support local food systems and access through hands-on volunteering at The Stop’s urban agriculture sites—the Green Barn, community gardens, and Farmers’ Market. Sessions include a guided introduction, gardening, and sustainable farming.

Register Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants must be 18 or older to apply online. Youth aged 16–17 may volunteer with parental consent through a separate process. We are unable to accept volunteers under 16.

We do our best to match volunteers with opportunities aligned with their interests, skills, and availability. However, placements vary based on seasonal programming and areas where additional support is most needed.

Volunteers work in all our sites:

  • 1884 Davenport Road
  • 729 St. Clair Avenue West (Wychwood Open Door)
  • The Stop’s Green Barn
  • The Stop’s Farmers’ Market at 601 Christie Street
  • Our community gardens

Yes! We welcome corporate teams, schools, community organizations, clubs, and other groups interested in volunteering together. To get started, please complete our Group Volunteer Form.