Below is an overview of the various volunteer participation opportunities that take place during a typical week at Culinary Angels. Many of the shifts on the schedule occur during normal working hours on Mondays through Thursdays each week. Some weekend opportunities are also noted.

If you are interested in volunteering with Culinary Angels please <click here> to submit an interest form.

If you have questions, please email Cathy Griggs who is our volunteer coordinator. volunteer@culinaryangels.org You will receive a response within 3 days.

Volunteer Opportunities

Friday - Shopping Day
Shoppers are given a list of ingredients needed for the following week’s meals, along with store recommendations. The items are purchased in the morning and delivered to the Pleasanton kitchen. (2+ hours)

Saturdays - Produce Pickup
Volunteers visit three local gardens in the late morning to pick up donations of fruit and vegetables and drop them off at our Pleasanton kitchen. (2-3 hours)

Weekends - Farmers Markets
On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month, we have volunteers at the downtown Pleasanton Farmers Market. Various tasks include setting up an information booth, Culinary Angels donations bags, interacting with shoppers, and collecting 100+ pounds of produce donations (once the market closes) and bringing it to the kitchen. (Four, 1-2 hour shifts, from 8am - 2pm)
On the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month, volunteers are also needed at the Livermore Farmers Market. (2 hours)

Mondays – In the Kitchen
Vegetables are washed and chopped. The bone broth and the soup recipe for the week are prepared. A healthy dessert is made. A commercial dishwasher is utilized for cleaning and sanitation. (Morning and afternoon shifts of 3+ hours each)

Tuesdays – In the Kitchen
Recipes are posted and team members prepare both a meat and vegetarian entrée and two side dishes. (Morning shift of 3+ hours)

Wednesdays - Meal Plating, Packaging, Delivery
The morning Plating shift distributes the prepared foods into 3-sectioned trays, garnishes are applied, and the meals are sealed and labeled. (2+ hours)
The afternoon Meal Bagging shift fills meal delivery bags with the appropriate number of vegetarian and/or meat protein meals, soups, and broths. (1:30pm-3pm)
Delivery Angels arrive at the Pleasanton kitchen to pick up meal bags for delivery to recipients. A vehicle is required. (The start time is 3:00pm and the shift is 1-2 hours)

Thursdays - Inventory
Supply cabinet contents are counted and recorded. (2 hours, 8am -10am)
Additional Opportunities: Behind-the-scenes volunteer opportunities become available from time to time. If you have an interest in fundraising, event planning, grant writing, public interaction, administration, making phone calls, or general research, let us know!