The Meaning of  Volunteering at Culinary Angels

Working alongside others who generously give their time and energy to a greater cause is a truly rewarding experience. At Culinary Angels, volunteers come together with open hearts to prepare and deliver healing meals to individuals facing cancer.

There’s a unique joy in knowing that vegetables scrubbed on Monday become hearty Italian Vegetable Soup by Wednesday, or that 38 pounds of organic turkey are transformed into nourishing casseroles for our recipients and their caregivers.

Community Spirit

 The spirit of friendship and community is ever-present throughout our meal process.

Heart and Mission

 Our volunteers are the heart of our mission. Bringing Love to every meal.

Nourishment

Help us deliver love and nourishment—one meal at a time.

In the Kitchen Food Safety & Protocols

Culinary Angels prioritizes food safety, sanitation, and kitchen security at every step. All procedures follow Department of Environmental Health and Cal-OSHA standards, and are reinforced through:

Safety Standard

Daily kitchen team briefings

Email updates

Posted signage throughout the kitchen

Onsite Team Leads for support and oversight

Volunteer Requirement

Pass a background check

Obtain a California Food Handler Card

Follow all sanitation and personal hygiene guidelines

Follow all sanitation and personal hygiene guidelines, including:

Volunteer Opportunities

Below is an overview of volunteer roles available throughout a typical week. Most shifts take place Monday–Thursday during standard business hours. Weekend opportunities are also available.

Friday – Shopping Day

Volunteers are given a grocery list and store recommendations. Items are purchased in the morning and delivered to our Pleasanton kitchen.

Approximately 2+ hours

Saturday – Produce Pick-Up

Visit local gardens in the late morning to collect donated produce and deliver it to the kitchen.

2–3 hours

1st & 3rd Saturdays – Pleasanton Farmers Market

Four 1–2 hour shifts between 8 AM – 2 PM

2nd & 4th Sundays – Livermore Farmers Market

Support Culinary Angels’ presence at the market and assist with produce collection.

2 hours

Monday – Kitchen Prep

Volunteers prep vegetables, make bone broth, cook soup, and prepare dessert.

Morning and afternoon shifts (approximately 3+ hours)

Tuesday – Cooking Day

Prepare both a meat and vegetarian entrée and two side dishes based on the weekly menu.

Morning shift (approximately 3+ hours)

Wednesday – Plating, Packaging & Delivery

Morning: Plate and seal meals into 3-compartment trays
Afternoon: Bag meals for delivery
Late Afternoon: Deliver meals to clients (vehicle required)

1.5–2+ hours per shift

Thursday – Inventory

Record kitchen supply inventory.

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM (2 hours)

Volunteer Opportunities

Below is an overview of volunteer roles available throughout a typical week. Most shifts take place Monday–Thursday during standard business hours. Weekend opportunities are also available.

Friday – Shopping Day

Volunteers are given a grocery list and store recommendations. Items are purchased in the morning and delivered to our Pleasanton kitchen.

Approximately 2+ hours

Saturday – Produce Pick-Up

Visit local gardens in the late morning to collect donated produce and deliver it to the kitchen.

2–3 hours

1st & 3rd Saturdays – Pleasanton Farmers Market

Four 1–2 hour shifts between 8 AM – 2 PM

2nd & 4th Sundays – Livermore Farmers Market

Support Culinary Angels’ presence at the market and assist with produce collection.

2 hours

Monday – Kitchen Prep

Volunteers prep vegetables, make bone broth, cook soup, and prepare dessert.

Morning and afternoon shifts (approximately 3+ hours)

Tuesday – Cooking Day

Prepare both a meat and vegetarian entrée and two side dishes based on the weekly menu.

Morning shift (approximately 3+ hours)

Wednesday – Plating, Packaging & Delivery

Morning: Plate and seal meals into 3-compartment trays
Afternoon: Bag meals for delivery
Late Afternoon: Deliver meals to clients (vehicle required)

1.5–2+ hours per shift

Thursday – Inventory

Record kitchen supply inventory.

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM (2 hours)

Additional Volunteer Roles

If your talents and interests are outside the kitchen, we welcome support in the following areas:

Fundraising and donor outreach

Event planning

Grant writing

Public outreach and tabling

Administrative tasks and data entry

Phone calls and research

Volunteer FAQs

How long are volunteers expected to commit to a schedule?

We ask volunteers to commit to working at least once a month. Most volunteers work twice a month, while a limited number work weekly. This commitment helps ensure consistency in our meal operations and scheduling.

What if I cannot make a shift or attend each week?

No problem! If you’re unable to attend your regular shift, please notify our Volunteer Coordinator as early as possible. If weekly participation isn’t feasible, we’re happy to coordinate a more flexible schedule with you.

Do I need to pay for the background check or any training?

Culinary Angels will cover the cost of background checks. Volunteers must pay a fee of $10 for the Food Handlers class, which is required only if they work in the kitchen.

Can I volunteer more than once a week or in multiple roles?

Absolutely. Many volunteers choose to take on more than one role after they get comfortable. We recommend starting with one shift and expanding from there with guidance from our Volunteer Coordinator.

I'm a returning volunteer. What do I do to start again?

Welcome back! Please email volunteer@culinaryangels.org to let us know you’re ready to return, and we’ll help you get reconnected.

What are your safety protocols?

We follow strict food safety and sanitation standards aligned with the Department of Environmental Health and Cal-OSHA. Volunteers receive training before their first shift and are guided throughout by Team Leads. Protocols include proper food handling, kitchen attire, and personal hygiene requirements.

Are there other ways to volunteer outside of the kitchen?

Yes. We offer many behind-the-scenes opportunities such as helping at farmers markets, organizing supplies, supporting fundraising events, conducting outreach, or assisting with administrative projects. Let us know your interests on the Volunteer Interest Form.

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Get Involved

Interested in volunteering with Culinary Angels?

Click here to submit a Volunteer Interest Form

Questions?

Please contact Cathy Griggs, our Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@culinaryangels.org.
You can expect a response within 3 business days.