Barcelona
Join local volunteer teams in redistributing leftover food from supermarkets and restaurants to homeless people, low-income families, and others in need.
By supporting food rescue initiatives, you help give surplus food a new purpose and ensure it reaches those who need it most. A network of community centres collects excess food from local restaurants, supermarkets, and cafés, organises it, and redistributes it to vulnerable individuals and families. As a volunteer, you will assist with collecting, sorting, and redistributing food, directly supporting communities while reducing food waste.
Spain continues to face rising levels of food waste and social inequality, with many people struggling to access nutritious meals. Volunteering in food redistribution is a meaningful way to fight hunger, support those in need, and contribute to environmental sustainability—creating a positive impact for both people and the planet.
Goals of this Project:
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Reduce food waste and ensure surplus food reaches those in need.
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Support vulnerable communities through food redistribution.
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Contribute to Spain’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
How You Can Help
By joining this programme, you will play a crucial role in providing essential meals to low-income families and people experiencing homelessness.
Your support will involve a range of tasks, from collecting surplus food from restaurants, cafés, and supermarkets to preparing nutritious, balanced meals and ensuring high standards of kitchen hygiene and organisation. You will also assist with the logistics of meal distribution, helping to serve and deliver food directly to those in need.
Through your contribution, you will provide comfort, nourishment, and dignity, making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and helping ensure they have access to the nutrition they need to thrive.
Your efforts will help bring both sustenance and hope to those who need it most.
Volunteers can expect to be involved in the following tasks:
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Collect surplus food from supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants.
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Prepare nutritious meals and serve them to people in need.
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Assist with organising, sorting, and quality control of food donations.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to dedicate their time and energy to support the local community of Barcelona. This hands-on program is ideal for individuals passionate about making a positive impact, whether you're pursuing a career in community development, education, health, or simply want to explore your interest in helping others.
Beyond this the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by your local project leader.
Importantly though, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
Project Location
Barcelona, on Spain's Mediterranean coastline, is an absolute bucket-list destination for any traveller!
Known as the 'Jewel of the Mediterranean' Barcelona is an architecture and art mecca with an impressive array of ancient ruins, towering temples and soaring cathedrals, offset by the more modern and whimsical sculptural masterpieces of Gaudí's era. Famous Spanish artists include Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró and their work is on display in dedicated museums.
For those who prefer the more natural aesthetic, Barcelona's beaches and the warm, clear waters of the Mediterranean await! Or take time to enjoy the cool, forested hills of Serra de Collserola behind the city, perfect for hiking and views over the city and sea.
Catalonian cuisine is amongst the best in the world and rich reward for a long day volunteering or sightseeing. For night owls Barcelona's nightlife is as vibrant as its inhabitants!
Whether appreciating the architecture and art scene, soaking up the rays beachside, delighting in the cuisine at a Tapas bar or hiking the surrounding hills, this city is a balm for the soul!
Start Dates & Duration
This project has arrivals on SUNDAYS. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 6 weeks.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are collected on arrival into Barcelona and taken by public transport to the hostel to settle in.
On Monday a comprehensive orientation session takes place to cover Spanish culture and customs, language basics, safety guidelines and practical information as well as an overview of the programs and volunteer experience. A guided city tour is also included - perfect for getting to know Barcelona and meeting fellow volunteers and local staff.
- Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival Airport: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat International Airport (code BCN)
Accommodation & Meals
The provided hostel is part of Fundesplai, a foundation that actively contributes to social and environmental projects. The hostel is well equipped for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
It is located in a residential area, 10 minutes walking distance from the metro, and about 45 minutes to the city center. Some placements can have up to 1.5 hours commute.
Breakfast and dinner are included. Lunch can be purchased at local eateries.
The accommodation consists of dorm rooms split by gender. It is also possible to upgrade to a private room.
Prefer a private room? No problem!
Single room upgrade $450 per person per week
Twin room upgrade $550 per person per week
Fees
That’s just USD 136 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info