We are always looking for local volunteers* who are passionate about making a difference in their community. We continue to operate with exceptionally lean volunteers to do our part to ensure safety and minimize the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. There are a variety of areas you can support, check out the list below!

We continue to seek additional volunteers for:

NEXT STEPS:
STEP 1: Complete a Volunteer Application prior to orientation. 
STEP 2: Attend an orientation. Click here to view orientation days and times.
STEP 3: Complete your volunteer application and background check (delivery driver volunteers) or reference checks (non-delivery driver).
STEP 4: You’ll be added to our volunteer system and will receive emails regarding available shifts with instructions on how to sign up.

*We welcome youth volunteers ages 13+ and ask that they be accompanied by a parent or guardian. (16+ up does not need a guardian).

Key Volunteer Opportunities

Meal Delivery Driver/Adopt-A-Route

Modified Eligibility: Must be fully COVID-19 vaccinated with fourteen days elapsed since last dose.

Responsibilities: Pickup meals at kitchen or courier site for delivery to clients at their home. Deliver all meals within a 2-3 hour delivery window (generally 10-15 clients).

  • Complete an annual background check (paid for by Mama’s Kitchen).

Time Commitment:

  • Regular delivery days are Tuesday and Friday with delivery windows 12:30-3:30 pm and 3-6 pm.
  • Routes are available for weekly commitments or as you are available.

Kitchen/Staging Volunteer

Modified Eligibility: Must be fully COVID-19 vaccinated with fourteen days elapsed since last dose.

Shift Schedule:

Plating/Kitchen Prep Cohort (Monday/Wednesday/Thursday 8am-12pm, Monday/Thursday 12:30-2:30)

  • Plating entrees of about 700 portions each. Goal is to complete one entrée per two hours – so a four-hour shift will plate two separate meals.
  • Prep work in conjunction with kitchen staff as needed and requested.

Staging(Tuesday/Friday 1-3pm, 2-4pm)

  • Compile all of the items (grocery bags, frozen bags, and meal bundles) into delivery bags and then place them onto carts. Carts are sorted by delivery routes.

Grocery Bags (Monday/Thursday 9am-12pm)

  • Assembly line of dry or cold items for inclusion in the delivery bags. Mon/Thurs Dry items (fruit, cereal, crackers, oatmeal, etc.) bags are assembled in preparation for the next day’s delivery and include preparing individual items like tortillas and bread for future deliveries.
  • Tues/Fri cold items (yogurt, milk, cheese, burritos, etc.) bags are assembled for that day’s deliveries and include staging the grocery bags, frozen bags, and meal bundles.

Meal Bundles (Tuesday/Friday 8-11:30am)

  • Bundling all meals for the day’s delivery bags by stacking and wrapping together meal trays. These bundles are used to fill bags efficiently. Afterward, compile all items (grocery bags, frozen bags, and meal bundles) into delivery bags then place them onto carts by the delivery route.

Delivery Day Afternoon (Tuesday/Friday 1-3pm or 2-4pm)

  • Staging: compile all items into delivery bags (grocery bags, frozen bags, and meal bundles) and then place onto carts by delivery route (1-3pm).
  • Cart Loading: loading carts with the appropriate number of regulars and specials by route and wheeling out to the loading dock as drivers arrive (2-4pm).

Phone/Office Support

Modified Eligibility: Must be fully COVID-19 vaccinated with fourteen days elapsed since last dose.

Responsibilities:

  • Direct callers to the appropriate department or staff person.
  • Provide general information about Mama’s Kitchen to callers with staff training and resource materials.
  • Support administrative functions of various departments with mailing, sorting, and filing tasks.
  • Based on interest level, support project-related tasks for program staff.

Time Commitment:

  • Three shifts daily (9am-12pm, 12-3pm, 3-6pm). Available for substitute or ongoing schedule based on need.
  • Other varying shifts available as needed.

COVID-19 Precautions:

  • Modifications to our meal preparations, scheduled volunteer shifts, and delivery schedules have been implemented. 
  • We seek not only to adhere to local public health official guidance but to also foster a physically and psychologically safe facility for all volunteers and staff.
  • All volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated prior to starting volunteer service and provide evidence to the Volunteer Engagement staff.
  • Each in-building volunteer signs in including their arrival time and signs out with their departure time.
  • Face coverings are required the entire time in the facility and while delivering. Masks MUST be procedure, N-95, KN-95, or KF-94. We have a supply of acceptable masks available.
  • No-touch meal deliveries procedures are in place with gloves and sanitizer provided as needed.

More information regarding our COVID-19 precautions and volunteer opportunities are below. If you have any questions or seek additional information, please contact Philip Chao, Director of Volunteer Engagement at philip@mamaskitchen.org or 619.233.6262 x108.  Or Luke Vaughn, the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at luke@mamaskitchen.org or 619.233.6262 x169.