The Food Preparation and Meal Service Volunteer assists with preparing, serving, and cleaning up meals for individuals experiencing homelessness at the day center. Volunteers play an important role in providing nutritious meals in a welcoming, respectful, and dignified environment while following food safety and sanitation standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide meal supplies
- Preparation, including washing, cutting, assembling, cooking, and packaging of food.
- Set up serving stations, dining areas, and beverage stations before meal service.
- Serve meals in a friendly, respectful, and nonjudgmental manner.
- Maintain appropriate portion sizes to ensure equitable meal distribution.
- Refill food and beverage stations during meal service as needed.
- Follow all food safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene procedures.
- Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, dining tables, serving equipment, and kitchen surfaces after meals.
- Wash dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment.
- Help receive, organize, and store food donations and supplies.
- Monitor inventory and notify staff when supplies are running low.
- Perform other volunteer duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old (or younger with parental consent and staff approval).
- Dependable, punctual, and able to work scheduled volunteer shifts.
- Ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Previous food service or kitchen experience is encouraged.
- Food Handler Certification is preferred but not required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Commitment to serving individuals with dignity, compassion, and respect.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Understanding of basic food safety and sanitation practices.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive food preparation tasks.
- Ability to work in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat, cold, and cleaning products.
