Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids!
We’re so glad you’re here!
At Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK), volunteers are at the heart of what we do. Together, we make and deliver nutritious lunches to Calgary kids who might otherwise go without.
Whether you’re looking to lend a hand in our kitchen, help prepare lunches, or get out on the road as a delivery driver, there’s a place for you on our volunteer team.
Before You Apply
A few things to know before you get started:
Volunteering with BB4CK is an ongoing commitment
Our volunteers make the biggest impact when they’re able to join us regularly throughout the school year.
We ask our volunteers to aim for at least 2 shifts per month. We understand that life happens and everyone’s availability looks different — our goal is to find a schedule that works for you while helping us keep lunches moving to kids who need them.
We offer a variety of volunteer shifts throughout the week, including kitchen and delivery opportunities, so you can find something that fits your schedule.
No special experience is required
You don’t need to be a professional cook or have volunteer experience to join us.
The experience you’re bringing us is amazing. Our team will provide the training and support you need to feel comfortable and confident in your role.
We welcome all volunteers!
Our volunteer team is made up of people from all walks of life — individuals, families, students, retirees, workplaces, community groups and everyone in between.
Volunteers under 18 are welcome to volunteer with us with an accompanying adult, and children must be 12 years or older to participate.
Interested in driving?
Our delivery drivers play a huge role in getting lunches from our kitchen to schools across Calgary.
If you have a valid driver's licence, access to your own vehicle and are interested in delivering lunches, we’d love to have you consider joining our driver team.
Drivers must have $2 million in liability insurance. Our mileage reimbursement will apply (paid twice yearly) after your second delivery shift through our volunteer mileage program.
We use Better Impact
Better Impact is the volunteer management system we use to help you apply, complete onboarding, sign up for shifts and stay connected with our team.
We know that online systems aren't everyone's favourite thing — and that's okay! If you need a hand navigating Better Impact or completing your application, we're happy to help.
What Happens After You Apply?
We want you to know what to expect when you hit that application button!
1. Submit your application
Complete our online volunteer application through Better Impact.
2. Choose your orientation
Once you’ve applied, you’ll have access to two public volunteer activities in Better Impact:
Kitchen Orientation
Learn about volunteering in our kitchen, what to expect during a shift, and how we work together to prepare thousands of lunches for Calgary kids.
Delivery Driver Orientation
Learn how our delivery program works, what to expect on a delivery shift, and how to safely get lunches from our kitchen to Calgary schools.
You can sign up for the orientation that matches the volunteer role you’re interested in.
For delivery drivers, please note that attending Driver Orientation does not guarantee a delivery route. Our delivery needs change from day to day, so there may be a route available during your orientation, or there may not be. Drivers need to be flexible and willing to align their availability with our current delivery needs.
3. Complete your e-learning while you wait
You don’t need to wait for your orientation to get started! Once you have access to Better Impact, you can begin completing your required e-learning modules while you wait for your orientation date.
Don’t worry if you haven’t completed your modules before orientation — that’s okay. We’ll walk you through what’s required and when.
4. Complete your onboarding and get started
You’ll complete the remaining onboarding requirements, including our volunteer waiver and any required training.
Once your onboarding requirements are complete, you can sign up for available volunteer shifts that work with your schedule and align with our current needs.
5. Start making an impact!
That’s it — you’re part of the BB4CK volunteer team!
Whether you’re making lunches in our kitchen or delivering them to schools across Calgary, every shift helps get more lunches into the hands of kids who need them.
A Few More Things To Know
Our kitchen is a busy place! Things can be fast-paced, collaborative and occasionally a little chaotic — but that’s part of the fun. You’ll be working alongside staff and other volunteers to get thousands of lunches ready for Calgary kids.
Volunteers should be comfortable being on their feet for much of their shift and working in a food-production environment.
Food safety is important to us. All volunteers are expected to follow BB4CK food safety, health and safety, and volunteer guidelines.
We believe everyone deserves to feel welcome. BB4CK is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible volunteer environment where people feel respected, valued and supported. If you require an accommodation during the application or onboarding process, please let our team know.
Ready to Join Us?
We’re excited that you’re considering becoming part of the BB4CK volunteer team!
Every lunch starts with people who care enough to show up. ♥️
Thank you for being one of those people.
