The Stop began as a volunteer-run organization in the 1970s, and to this day volunteers play a vital role in every facet of our operations. Without the dedication of our volunteers, we could not meet our goal of helping people stop the cycle of poverty.

Many of our volunteers have experience with issues facing the community: unemployment, poverty and homelessness. The connection between volunteers and participants in our programs creates a unique sense of community marked by a non-judgmental and empathetic environment.

Volunteer opportunities at 1884 Davenport

Our Food Bank and Drop In meal programs operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. In the Food Bank, we distribute groceries and produce to people who live in our neighbourhood. Volunteers handle intake as people arrive, stack shelves and distribute food. In the Drop In, we provide breakfast and lunch to up to 150-200 people per sitting. Volunteers set up the program space, do simple food preparation, serve food and clean up afterwards.

We run two volunteer shifts each day in each of the programs. We ask volunteers to commit to doing one four-hour shift per week for a period of 4-6 months in order to accommodate the large number of people who come to use our services.

We are very fortunate to have many people interested in volunteering at The Stop but this means that we get many more applications than we have positions. As such we prioritize potential volunteers from the local community. There is a Volunteer Information Session once a month for the Drop In and Food Bank positions at 1884 Davenport Rd. If you're interested please call Jasmine at 416 652 7867 ext 249 to register for the next session.

Volunteer opportunities at Earlscourt Community Garden

We are seeking four volunteers to assist in our community garden school-planting program from May 11 to 25 from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Volunteers work to support and engage kids in grades 1 and 2 in hands-on garden-based activities, games and planting.

We are looking for individuals with basic gardening knowledge, positive energy and experience working with children. We require a commitment of three shifts per week (8:30 am to 2:30 pm) for two weeks. There is also a possibility of continuing volunteer opportunities with a women's and children's gardening group for the remainder of the summer.

If you’re interested please send some information about yourself, including why you’re interested in this program and why it’s a good match for you, as well as a copy of your resume and the days of the week you’re available, to mandy [at] thestop [dot] org by Friday May 5.

Volunteer opportunities at The Stop’s Green Barn

Volunteer with our Summer Food Camp! The Stop's Summer Food Camp is a fun, active and engaging day camp for kids ages 8 to 12. Campers are encouraged to learn about cooking and growing food through fun and engaging activities held in The Stop's kitchen and gardens. By engaging in hands-on learning activities, campers increase their food skills and develop and openness to trying new foods. Priority is given to low-income families.

When: July 9–13, July 16–20, July 23–27 and a training shift of 2.5 hours between July 3 and 5.

What: Volunteers will assist Summer Camp staff with cooking, gardening, sports and field trips. They will supervise children during free time, engaging proactively in games and activities.

Skills and experience: Some familiarity with cooking, growing or the food movement and/or sports is beneficial. Experience with children in a leadership role is essential. We are looking for people who are proactive, enthusiastic and who have a caring attitude; comfort talking to and engaging children in a way that is age appropriate and respectful; and an approach to discipline that is kind, fair and firm.

Commitment: Minimum three full days (8 am -4:40 pm) within one of these weeks.  Preference may be given to applicants who can commit to more than one week.

Benefits: Volunteers gain valuable experience from one of the most unique food-focused children’s programs in the city. Lunch provided each day!

If you are interested please send some information about yourself, including why you are interested in this program and why it is a good match for you, as well as a copy of your resume, to jasmine [at] thestop [dot] org.

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The Grade 5 Education Program provides hands-on educational activities that focus on food issues while directly supporting the learning goals of the Ontario curriculum. It offers an in-depth look at food security and a chance for kids to build on concepts throughout the school year. We are currently seeking one new volunteer to join this program. As a volunteer you will shadow staff, then learn and facilitate the educational workshops to Grade 5 classes in schools in the Bathurst/St. Clair area. The commitment is once a week (depending on bookings) on Tuesday from now to end of June with an opportunity to continue beyond.  If you are interested please send some information about yourself including why you are interested in this program and why it is a good match for you, as well as a copy of your resume to jasmine [at] thestop [dot] org by Monday, May 7. 

We are currently seeking three new volunteers to join the After School Program beginning right away and running through the third week in June. Volunteers work to support and engage the kids who participate in the program in a variety of play and learning activities based around gardening, cooking, art and food. They will also work with staff and placement students to plan activities for the kids. For this role we are looking for people with strong, positive energy and willingness to run around and really engage with the kids. The commitment is one regular shift a week Tuesday or Thursday from 2:30-7 pm.  If you are interested please send some information about yourself including why you are interested in this program and why it is a good match for you, as well as a copy of your resume and the day or days of the week you are available to jasmine [at] thestop [dot] org by Monday, May 7.

Volunteer opportunities at events

We often have one-off fundraising or community events like Seedy Saturday and What’s on the Table, where we need a large number of volunteers for the day or half day. If you'd like to be on our events list, please email jasmine [at] thestop [dot] org. In your email, please, include some information about yourself, your availability and any special skills or interests you hav, ie. cooking, customer service, serving, setting-up or taking down events.