Job Description

About the Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB)

The Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB) is the oldest and largest food bank in the Interior of British Columbia, serving the community for over 40 years. We provide essential food assistance to an average of 12,000 individuals every month, 44% of whom are children and youth. Beyond addressing immediate hunger, we're committed to promoting health, education, and systemic change so that everyone in our community can access nutritious food and the essentials of life.

Each year, our team rescues over 3 million pounds of food that would otherwise go to waste, redistributing it to those who need it most. We believe in community, dignity, and equitable access to nutrition - and we're always looking for people who want to make a difference.

About the Work Experience Opportunities Grant

These placements are made possible through the Work Experience Opportunities Grant (WEOG), funded by United Way BC. The program supports inclusive, time-limited work placements for individuals receiving (or eligible for) BC Employment and Disability Assistance (BCEA) or federal income assistance.

Each participant receives a stipend (not an hourly wage) in recognition of their participation and learning during the placement.

Participants continue to receive their BCEA or disability assistance during the placement. The stipend is exempt from earnings deductions under the Employment Standards Act and will not reduce BCEA or disability benefits.

COFB will also provide work experience training, mentoring, and certifications (such as WHMIS or Food Safety), along with a letter of reference upon completion.

ROLE: Warehouse Associate - 4 Placements total

2 Roles at 20hrs/week for 10 weeks
2 Roles at 24hrs/week for 10 weeks

Start Date: Mid October to early November.

Role Overview:

Our warehouse is the heart of our operations; it's where over 3 million pounds of food move in and out each year. Warehouse Associates help with sorting, packing, labeling, and distributing food to clients and partner agencies.

Key Responsibilities:

Receive, sort, and label donated food items (using "First In, First Out" rotation). Pack and unpack hampers for clients and agencies. Assist with restocking, weighing donations, and keeping records. Support coordination between the warehouse and client services. Participate in food safety practices and use PPE (provided). Optional: Support driving or donor pickups (with valid license and interest).
Training & Certification:

COFB will provide or support certifications such as WHMIS and Food Safety.

Ideal Fit:

You enjoy physical work, being part of a team, and making an impact. You're reliable, organized, and ready to learn new skills in a hands-on environment.

ROLE: Client Services - 2 placements

1 Role at 20hrs/week for 10 weeks
1 Role at 24hrs/week for 10 weeks

Start Date: Mid October to early November.

Role Overview:
Our Client Services team ensures that everyone visiting the food bank is welcomed with respect and dignity. This role blends direct client interaction with light computer work and teamwork with warehouse staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Greet and check in clients using our intake system. Help distribute food hampers with care and professionalism. Coordinate with warehouse staff to ensure stock availability. Support database updates or appointment scheduling (training provided). Maintain confidentiality and sign an NDA if working with client data.
Ideal Fit:
You're friendly, compassionate, and patient. You enjoy connecting with people and making them feel seen and supported. You're also open to learning new systems and can stay calm in a busy environment.

ROLE: Administration/Front Desk Reception - 1 placement

Hours: 24 hours/week for 10 weeks
Start Date: Mid to late October (negotiable)

Role Overview:

This role supports our front office, client services, and seasonal programs such as Merry Moments. You'll help with reception, phone calls, scheduling, and general administrative tasks. For those with interest, there will be opportunities to assist with other programs or events, such as those taking place under our More than Food Program.

Key Responsibilities:

Greet visitors and answer phone or email inquiries. Schedule client appointments and update records. Assist with data entry, filing, and basic office organization. Support special programs and events as needed. Maintain confidentiality and sign an NDA.
Ideal Fit:
You're organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable with computers. You like helping others, keeping things running smoothly, and learning new systems.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 10 weeks

Pay: From $17.85 per hour

Expected hours: 24 per week

Application question(s):

What role are you applying for? Are you currently receiving (or eligible for) BC Employment and Disability Assistance (BCEA) or federal income assistance? Please explain Do you acknowledge that you will receives a stipend (not an hourly wage) in recognition of your participation and learning during the placement?
Work Location: In person