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Good 4.18rating (74)
  • Zero Hunger
  • Reduced Inequalities

Reduce Food Waste

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Volunteer to have a meaningful social impact that really matters
  • Discover charming Porto city, its beautiful river and heritage
  • Improve the lives of thousands in need by providing them with rescued food

Highlights

  • Volunteer to have a meaningful social impact that really matters
  • Discover charming Porto city, its beautiful river and heritage
  • Improve the lives of thousands in need by providing them with rescued food
  • Get the chance to partake in Portuguese language lessons and share daily life with locals
  • Contribute actively to fight the food waste in Portugal
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Volunteer in Porto to fight food waste and feed homeless and families in need. Discover Portugal, travel like a local and create a REAL positive social impact.

    The Food Rescue project addresses two critical issues: reducing food waste and fighting food poverty. Every day in Portugal, thousands of people benefit from food that would otherwise go to waste, collected from local restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets. As a Food Rescue volunteer, you'll be part ...

    About the program

    The Food Rescue project addresses two critical issues: reducing food waste and fighting food poverty. Every day in Portugal, thousands of people benefit from food that would otherwise go to waste, collected from local restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets. As a Food Rescue volunteer, you'll be part of a dedicated, volunteer-based movement committed to eliminating food waste and ending hunger.

    What to Expect:

    • Community Impact: Help redistribute food to those in need.

    • Volunteer Collaboration: Work alongside local volunteer teams to ensure food reaches the people who need it most.

    • Operational Support: Assist in the collection, packing, storage, and distribution of food donations.

    Daily Tasks:

    • Food Collection

    • Meal Packaging

    • Food Storage: Assist with storing and organizing food donations.

    • Workspace Maintenance: Clean and arrange containers and workspaces.

    • Distribution of meals to the beneficiaries.

    Why Join?

    • Make an Impact: Help reduce food waste and fight food poverty in Portugal.

    • Gain Experience: Develop skills in food logistics, community service, and volunteer coordination.

    • Cultural Immersion: Experience Portuguese culture while making a meaningful difference in the community.

    Ready to Fight Hunger and Reduce Waste?

    Typical day

    After the initial orientation, you will have an afternoon or evening shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. Please note that start times and daily workload depend on the center that you are in. 

    A typical daily schedule is as follows:

    Morning | Explore the city ...

    Typical day

    After the initial orientation, you will have an afternoon or evening shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. Please note that start times and daily workload depend on the center that you are in. 

    A typical daily schedule is as follows:

    Morning | Explore the city and learn Portuguese during your free time

    13:00 | Have lunch at the accommodation or go somewhere else.

    18:30 | Go to your project by public transportation and join the local staff to volunteer at one of the food rescue centers.

    21:00 | Dinner with other international volunteers and other travelers.

    Please note that the actual schedule can change according to the shifts. Usually, shifts last from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, but can last until midnight.

    Free-time activities

    In your free time, you can explore the city, have Portuguese language classes, surf, or anything you wish!

    Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal and one of the most authentic cities to visit in the country. Stroll through its sinuous and picturesque streets and feel the pulse of the city, or ...

    Free-time activities

    In your free time, you can explore the city, have Portuguese language classes, surf, or anything you wish!

    Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal and one of the most authentic cities to visit in the country. Stroll through its sinuous and picturesque streets and feel the pulse of the city, or take the tram to the mouth of the river Douro and get to know the excellent beaches and the outdoor cafés. The historic center of Porto was declared UNESCO World Heritage but it is the hospitality and forceful character of the locals that will delight you.  Porto is a vibrant and young city with countless cafés, bars, and clubs to have a really good time at night, or relaxed rooftops to have a drink and enjoy the warm Portuguese climate.

    Porto, the gate to the North of the country, is definitely worth the visit!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 18:30 - 21:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What’s included?

    - Pick up at the international airport in Porto & transfer to the accommodation - Sunday 

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :)

    If you arrive prior to Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup, and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.
    We will reach out to you by WhatsApp a few days before your start date to connect

    - Accommodation at a dormitory at a centre-located hostel, female dormitory, or mixed dormitory

    - Three meals a day every day: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-fre,e and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)

    - Shared use of common spaces and free WIFI

    - Orientation event on arrival (including introduction to Portugal and culture, volunteer experience, overview of programmes, practical information, safety guidelines)

    - Guided city tour and the best tips to discover the city!

    - Allocation and coordination of a work placement in a sustainable project, and a contact person in the project

    - Introduction on the first day of volunteering

    - Ongoing support throughout the stay

    - 24h/7 emergency support by phone or personally

    - Limited coverage civil liability insurance.

    Airport Pickup at Porto Airport

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :)

    If you arrive prior to Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.
    We will reach out to you by WhatsApp a few days before your start date to connect

    Accommodation

    The accommodation has female and mixed rooms with shared bathrooms and is located by the riverside, just a 10-minute walk from the historical city centre. There’s a bus stop right outside the hostel with regular services both to the city centre and to Matosinhos (beach). The closes metro station is São Bento and it's a 20 minute walk.

    Food & Beverages

    We will provide breakfast at the accommodation every day. We will cook with fresh local ingredients every day for all volunteers, and we are prepared to accommodate most diet restrictions, such as vegan and vegetarians, gluten-free, and lactose intolerant. Also, take some time out to explore the city and its incredible cuisine!
    Lunch and dinner are provided by a local restaurant, located 10 min walking from the accommodation!

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Porto Airport (OPO) in Porto. We assist you to find cheap flights to Portugal. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Portugal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Portugal you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Portugal. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This program starts every Sunday!
    You should arrive on Sunday (or before) to attend the orientation session on Monday morning.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $965 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.2
    Top Pick
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    2018
    The organisation we worked with directly, ReFood, was full of amazing people who spend a few hours every week helping those in need by ...
    Laura Montano

    Reduce Food Waste

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    2025
    I ended up staying in the program for a week. I loved working with the cats and the people there, who were all really sweet. The program ...
    •
    2024
    I recommend this experience to absolutely anyone, it was the best of my life. The first week my placement was in a Skatepark in Cascais, so ...
    Alba Gala Torrero

    Child & Youth Supporter

    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Portugal > Porto

    Meet your project coordinator

    Cristiana
    74
    reviews
    4.18
    Good
    2015
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Social Work in Portugal
    Contact Cristiana
      Good response rate
    Portuguese, Spanish, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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