Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Individuals with a strong advocacy for food sustainability issues such as, access to food and food waste management in local communities.
Do you believe that everyone should have food on the table? To have access to everyday necessities while maintaining a responsible waste system? If this sounds like you, then International Volunteer HQ’s Food Rescue project will be a perfect option for you to volunteer on.
Through this project, our goal is to combat hunger and reduce food waste in the local communities in Porto. This role is not just about food distribution; it’s a chance to assist communities, foster sustainability, and make a tangible difference in the lives of many. Join us in this fulfilling journey to create a hunger-free, waste-less world!
The Food Rescue project offers a remarkable opportunity to be an integral part of a dynamic community initiative dedicated to eradicating food waste and combating hunger.
As a volunteer, you will play a pivotal role in a widespread network that salvages high-quality, unused food from local restaurants and supermarkets. This recovered food is then thoughtfully redistributed to support various groups, including families, the elderly, and the homeless, who are in dire need of assistance.
Operating in the heart of Porto, the Food Rescue project makes a significant impact, providing nutritious meals to approximately 100 individuals daily.
As a volunteer, your responsibilities will be diverse and meaningful. They may include, but are not limited to:
When you volunteer in the Food Recue project in Porto, you will be adding value to the local community while, at the same time, developing personal and professional skills by:
Volunteers need to be 18 years or older to participate in this program. If you are under 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad to explore these options.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
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Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
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Experience the vibrant allure of Porto, Portugal’s eclectic gem!
This city is a tapestry of ancient charm and contemporary buzz. Wander through its serpentine, mural-adorned streets in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, where every corner tells a story.
There is so much to do!
You can hop on a vintage tram to where the Douro River kisses the Atlantic, discover sun-soaked beaches and chic outdoor cafés, try the typical “Francesinha,” immerse yourself in Serralves, and go to the famous library in the city center!
As night falls, the city transforms into a lively playground with an array of trendy rooftop bars, cozy cafés, and electric clubs.
Beyond its lively streets, Porto is the gateway to Northern Portugal’s rich tapestry of culture and scenery. It’s not just a city, it’s an experience!
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Porto on the Sunday before program orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto Airport) (OPO) in Porto on the Sunday before your program orientation. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Porto. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Portugal prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged destination in Porto on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Portugal team in Porto. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Porto – an introduction to Portugal and Porto, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an introduction to the project and placement, along with a tour of the local area. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
A separate orientation dedicated to your placement will be held the following day. You will be shown how to travel to and from your placement, receive an introduction, and complete your volunteering hours.
First Day
You will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working alongside.
Weekdays
During the week, you will have a late afternoon or evening shift, which will last approximately 4 hours from 5:00PM. Note that start times and daily workload will depend on your specific placement.
A typical day on the Food Rescue project is as follows:
| 7.00 AM - 10.00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation |
| 9.00 AM | Free time to explore or rest. You are free to relax at the accommodation, go sightseeing, or head out for some shopping |
| 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Lunch is served at a local restaurant near the volunteer accommodation |
| 4.00 PM | Travel to your placement via public transportation, which can take approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic |
| 5.00 PM | Volunteering on your placement usually begins alongside placement staff and other volunteers until approximately 9:00 PM |
| 9.00 PM | Volunteering work on your placement usually ends. You are free to travel back to your accommodation |
| 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Dinner is served at a local restaurant near the volunteer accommodation |
Weekends
Volunteers can travel and explore the eclectic city of Porto, Portugal. From visiting one of the oldest libraries in the world, catching a futebol match, or trying out a local francesinha, you can create an itinerary by yourself or with your fellow volunteers!
Volunteers staying in Portugal longer or who wish to travel before or after their program can visit areas further afield in Portugal, including Lisbon, the Azores, the Algarve, and many other places. With the advice and guidance of our expert local team, you can make travel arrangements once you arrive in Porto.
Get ready to stay in the heart of Porto! Volunteers will be accommodated in a vibrant and centrally located hostel just a short walk from the Campanhã train and metro stations - your gateway to exploring the city and beyond. Nestled in a lively neighborhood, you’ll have everything at your fingertips: local supermarkets, cafés, bars, and seamless access to all forms of public transport.
Your cozy home away from home offers dormitory-style rooms shared with up to 6 fellow volunteers, available in both mixed and female-only options. Each bed includes a personal locker for your belongings, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire building to keep you connected.
The hostel is designed to bring people together - with spacious common areas including a fully equipped shared kitchen, a welcoming indoor lounge, and relaxed hangout spots where you can swap stories with fellow travelers from around the world. Step outside into a small but lush garden area with outdoor dining - perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm Portuguese breeze.
The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, and the staff are always ready to help with a smile, making you feel right at home from day one.
Breakfast is served at a local café just a short walk from the accommodation, where volunteers can enjoy traditional Portuguese pastries, fresh bread, and coffee.
Lunch and dinner are provided at a nearby restaurant that prepares simple and tasty Portuguese meals using fresh, local ingredients. The menu offers a variety of dishes, and there are vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options available upon request to accommodate different dietary needs.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$440) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $700 Equivalent to $100/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,210 Equivalent to $86/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,720 Equivalent to $82/day |
| 4 weeks | $2,230 Equivalent to $80/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,740 Equivalent to $78/day |
| 6 weeks | $3,250 Equivalent to $77/day |
| 8 weeks | $4,270 Equivalent to $76/day |
| 10 weeks | $5,290 Equivalent to $76/day |
| 12 weeks | $6,310 Equivalent to $75/day |
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Porto program.
This workshop offers a hands-on culinary experience, perfect for food lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.
These surf lessons are an unforgettable experience that offers an exhilarating way to experience the waves of Porto’s beautiful coastline.
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
| Capital | Porto |
| Population | 214,349 |
| Languages | Portuguese |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Time zone | UTC+00:00 |
Weather and climate: Porto has generally moderate temperatures. The average annual high is around 20 °C (68 °F) and average low around 11 °C (52 °F). The climate is also only mildly seasonal, from a maxima of 14 °C (57 °F) in January to 25–26 °C (77–79 °F) in August, while minima is around 5–6 °C (41–43 °F) in January and 15–16 °C (59–61 °F) in July and August.
I was stuck in my previous life. Volunteering with IVHQ in Porto really opened my eyes to some of the different things the world has to offer.
I would recommend an IVHQ program to anyone who is unsure about their life direction and might need a push.
I loved the program that I did and would highly recommend it. It opened up my eyes as to what I can do at home and I have already reached out to a similar organisation to see if I can volunteer. I felt the organisation and support offered by IVHQ was great!
I learned about Portugal from the people I worked with, what they ate, how they communicate, and I even learned some Portuguese. I would tell someone who is hesitant that it is very easy to volunteer through IVHQ and that everyone is very supportive.
I gained a lot of experience. I really enjoyed working with kids, and had a lot of fun with them. The program taught me how to manage and communicate with children. I really lacked that knowledge before, so I’m grateful for that incredible opportunity to be able to participate in a Youth Support program.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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