I made friends who I would love to genuinely keep in touch with, even after a short period of time. I learned parts of a new culture and the language, and was able to experience life in Portugal while also being a tourist. I was able to heighten my individuality and become more responsible, while actively trying new things. Being at the volunteering location mostly contributed to this because I was not in the accommodation where the people and environment felt familiar. At work, while yes English was spoken, I fully immersed myself into the Portuguese culture and language, and was so happy to complete my tasks. I built meaningful connections with the staff and other volunteers and would go again in a heartbeat. It was an extraordinary and inspiring experience for me.
Food Rescue Volunteer Project in Portugal - Lisbon
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Project details
Want to reduce waste and fill bellies as a Food Rescue volunteer in Portugal? International Volunteer HQ’s Food Rescue project is a great way for volunteers to make a meaningful difference to people in Lisbon who can’t afford to feed themselves. Volunteers gain experience in food outreach while assisting a sustainable community initiative that aims to eliminate food waste and end hunger by recovering food from local restaurants and supermarkets and giving it to families, the elderly and homeless people in need.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Tackle two pressing issues at once with the Food Rescue project in Portugal: reducing food waste and fighting food poverty. With one in ten people globally undernourished and around 828 million unsure of their next meal, your help is crucial.
As a Food Rescue volunteer, you’ll join the efforts of a community movement aiming to eliminate food waste and end hunger. You’ll engage in the daily operations of recovering food from local establishments and redistributing it to those in need. This initiative serves approximately 20 different low-income neighborhoods across Lisbon, relying heavily on volunteers to deliver food on a large scale.
Volunteers are especially needed for the in-demand night shifts from 4 PM to 8 PM or 6 PM to 10 PM. Your duties will include:
- Food Collection: Pick up food from local restaurants, cafes, hospitals, and supermarkets.
- Meal Preparation: Pack and package meal boxes for distribution.
- Organization: Assist in storing and organizing food donations.
- Cleaning: Maintain clean and orderly containers and workspaces.
- Distribution: Hand out meal boxes to families, the elderly, and the homeless community.
Why do Food Rescue volunteering in Lisbon with IVHQ?
As a Food Rescue volunteer in Portugal you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving food security for vulnerable people
- Helping reduce food waste
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining food outreach experience
- Immersing yourself in Portuguese culture
- Exploring Lisbon, Portugal’s relaxed capital
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Portugal photo gallery
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I have gained several things from this experience. The impact on others, the sharing of different perspectives and lifestyles, and most importantly the memories that will stay with me and help me grow as a person. I would definitely tell someone that is hesitant about joining the program to take the risk because there is no change or growth without risk.
I feel like I truly got to be immersed in another culture and experience something I can’t find in my home country. I took part in food rescue, and the program was completely different from any food rescue program you could participate in in the US. It was incredible to see the cultural differences and make new friends. Anyone who would be hesitant to join the program, I would say just go for it! There are always struggle points, but it’s a great opportunity to develop character.
Just do it! The people are so friendly it’s so well organized and honestly it’s the best experience. :)
I gained knowledge about the extent to which food poverty affects Lisbon, as well as the huge volume of food that would normally go to waste. It was great to be able to help impact two problems on one project, and I do think that I genuinely helped the team at my placement to make a difference in the local community.
I think that IVHQ does a wonderful job at getting things organized and settled, and the support from the local team was phenomenal! The accommodation was great! Better than i thought it would be. I think my favourite moment was orientation where we got to meet each other and have a tour of the city in a Tuk Tuk. Very good ice breaker! The way people live and the way their culture is had the greatest impact on me. It is so relaxing and refreshing and also very eye opening. I would tell people who are hesitant about volunteering abroad that they would be missing out if they decided not to go.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
The IVHQ Portugal Program is located in and around Lisbon - the capital and largest city in Portugal. It’s a veritable treasure trove of history, culture, breathtaking scenery, exciting nightlife, gorgeous beaches and great places to eat and drink.
Portugal and Lisbon have risen from poverty only this century, so while it is a fantastic and affordable destination to visit, local communities are still facing the lingering effects of previously being one of the poorest countries in Western Europe. Volunteers can have an impact on these communities by supporting local initiatives which aim to improve the lives of Lisbon’s residents and make sure they have access to all of life’s basic necessities.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins every Monday, and volunteers need to arrive in Lisbon the day before their orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Lisbon Airport (LIS). Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee, however, if you arrive outside of Sunday between 9:00AM - 9:00PM, your pick-up will incur an extra cost of £55. Volunteers under the age of 18 are required to travel with written consent from both parents or guardians in order to enter Portugal. Volunteers under the age of 18 who require a pre-arranged visa will also need their visa application to be signed by a parent or guardian.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in either Lisbon. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are travelling in Portugal prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a prearranged location in Lisbon on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Portugal team at the accommodation. It begins the morning of your chosen start date and lasts for a full day. The orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Portugal – an introduction to Portugal, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, an introduction to project and placement as well as a tour of the local area. The orientation will also give you a chance to sign up for Portuguese language lessons if you’re on a Lisbon based project, and to meet other volunteers with whom you can swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays
You will have a morning, afternoon or evening shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 6 hours per day. Please note that start times and daily workloads depend on the project that you are participating on.
| 8:00 - 10:00 AM | Breakfast is available at the volunteer accommodation. |
| 8:30 AM | Travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project. |
| 1:00 - 3:00 PM | Lunch is served at the accommodation or at your placement. After lunch, you will continue your volunteer work. |
| 2:30 PM | Volunteers with afternoon or evening shifts travel to placement and begin work on their project. |
| 7:00 - 9:00 PM | Dinner at the volunteer accommodation. After dinner you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish. |
Weekends
Volunteers have the weekends free and Portugal and Lisbon are full of interesting things to do, see, visit, eat and learn.
Explore the old city of Lisbon and get yourself lost in the small alleys that are seeped with music and delicious food. Be sure to try the local pastry - pastel de nata and listen to traditional folklore music - fado. Lisbon is a vibrant city with many cultural and music events, you can’t possibly be bored here. If it’s nature you’re looking for - it has that too! Sintra Natural Park is only a short drive away and boasts wonderful castles and palaces. Come for a day trip to Arrabida beach and try the well-known local wines.
Volunteers can make travel arrangements further afield once in Lisbon, with the advice and guidance of our local staff.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers participating on Lisbon-based projects will stay at a lively dormitory-style hostel in Estoril, just a five-minute stroll from the beach. You’ll share a room with 3 to 13 fellow volunteers of the same gender, fostering a community atmosphere. In instances where the male dormitory is fully occupied, male volunteers may be housed in mixed-gender rooms with other guests.
Each volunteer will be provided with all necessary bedding and towels, and you’ll have access to shared Western-style bathrooms, which are communal and not separated by gender. The hostel staff will ensure cleanliness throughout the week, though volunteers are encouraged to maintain tidiness in their own spaces. For those under 18, please be aware that a 10:00 PM curfew is implemented to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
Staying connected is easy as free WiFi is available within the hostel, and local cafes and restaurants nearby. Plus, to help you stay connected on the go, the local team offers a complimentary local SIM card. This can be activated to purchase mobile data for any unlocked mobile phone, ensuring you can share every moment of your adventure.
For added privacy and comfort, private double rooms are available for an extra charge of £320. These rooms utilize the communal bathrooms and can be booked as an add-on through your MyIVHQ account after you register for the Portugal program, subject to availability.
From this central location, volunteers can conveniently travel to their placements by public transport or on foot.
Meals
Portuguese food is delicious, and during your time in Portugal, you’ll be treated to some incredible dishes.
Most volunteers enjoy three meals a day, starting with a self-serve breakfast at the accommodation. Kickstart your day with a selection of tea, coffee, fresh bread, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt, and fruit. Twice a week, you’ll have the chance to savor authentic Portuguese dishes.
For lunch and dinner, you’ll feast on local favorites like fish and chicken, complemented by rice, pasta, vegetables, and salad. If your placement requires you to be away from the accommodation during meal times, you’ll either dine at your placement or take a packed meal with you.
While tap water in Portugal is safe to drink, bottled water is also readily available. If you prefer bottled water, budget approximately US$10 (approximately £8) a week for this.
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately £248) 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 | $715 Equivalent to $102/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,075 Equivalent to $77/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,435 Equivalent to $68/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,795 Equivalent to $64/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,165 Equivalent to $62/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,535 Equivalent to $60/day |
| 8 weeks | $3,275 Equivalent to $58/day |
| 10 weeks | $4,015 Equivalent to $57/day |
| 12 weeks | $4,755 Equivalent to $57/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £248) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers on Lisbon based projects and on the Biological Park Conservation project generally find US$65 to be sufficient for basic weekly expenses. For those on the Wolf Conservation project, we recommend a weekly budget of US$150.
- Any changes or cancellations within 14 days of your start date are subject to a US$200 late change/cancellation fee.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Lisbon
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 Lisbon program.
Enjoy a stress free ride from accommodation back to Lisbon airport arranged by our local team.
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
Check what's required to visit Portugal
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Lisbon |
| Population | 10.46 million |
| Languages | Portuguese |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Time zone | UTC+00:00 |
Weather and climate: Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate with dry hot summers and mild winters. During winter, from December to February, temperatures are mild and vary from 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F). Summer, from June to September, is dry and hot with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 29°C (64°F and 84°F). Rainfall is heaviest in December/January and driest in July/August.
Latest blog posts
Other projects you may be interested in
