How does this role help our Service Users?
Kitchen Assistants prepare and cook nutritionally balanced meals that are provided to our Service Users as part of the meal service. Over 33,000 meals each year are delivered in this way!
What does the role involve?
The role includes working under the direction of one of our volunteer Lead Cooks who have planned the menu and shopped for the ingredients. Under their directions you will be preparing (peeling and chopping vegetables) and cooking a variety of different meals to meet the needs of our Service Users, all ready to deliver in a timely fashion. If there is something that you do not want to do, like handling meat or fish, just let the Lead Cook know.
After the food has been prepared and the Driver and Navigator teams have set off to deliver it, this is a great chance to put your feet up and get to know your fellow cooks. Most kitchens organise a lunch of any surplus food and the more volunteers that stay, the merrier.
You will need to understand and follow all of The Food Chain’s policies regarding food hygiene, health and safety and also our illness policy.
You will also be involved in the clean up! We are indebted to the organisations that lend us their kitchens every Sunday. Without them, we simply could not provide the service. They trust us to leave the kitchen spotless, ready for them to use on Monday morning.
How often do I need to volunteer?
Approximately one Sunday every four weeks.
How much time do I need to give?
It’s an early start – you need to arrive at the kitchen to sign in at 8am. If everything goes to plan you should be finished by 1pm.
What training and support will I get?
We cook for people with compromised immune systems, so good food hygiene (a legal requirement in any commercial kitchen) is of the highest importance. You will have the opportunity to complete a Basic Food Hygiene course (or present a valid certificate) during your time volunteering with us. If you do complete a course then you must take a yearly, online food hygiene test to make sure your knowledge is up to date.
How can I be a really good Kitchen Assistant?
You need to be reliable, a team player and you don’t have to be the greatest cook in the world – but being an enthusiast cook helps!
Eating Positively Kitchen Assistant
How does this role help our Service Users?
Volunteers are needed to work as part of a team of 2 people, led by a professional chef, to create nutritious meals for Eating Positively Service Users.
What does the role involve?
As an Eating Positively Kitchen Assistant you will be responsible for assisting the chef in all aspects of meal preparation, from washing, peeling and cutting vegetables to making desserts, doing the washing up and helping with cleaning the kitchen at the end of the session. There is also some front of house activity involved, such as setting up the dining area for the Service Users.
How often do I need to volunteer?
Approximately one Wednesday afternoon every four weeks.
How much time do I need to give?
Classes run from 2pm until 6pm.
What training and support will I get?
You will receive training specifically for the role. We also offer training for food hygiene, health & safety and HIV awareness. We will cover alll travel expenses up to the cost of a one-day travelcard.
How can I be a really good Eating Positively Kitchen Assistant?
You must be reliable and a good team player. Any volunteer for this role will need to have been an active kitchen volunteer for six months.
Eating Positively Saturday Cookery Classes Kitchen Assistant
How does this role help our Service Users?
Volunteers are needed to work as part of a team, led by a professional chef, to support Service Users in learning to cook at Eating Positively practical cookery classes. As an Eating Positively Cookery Class Kitchen Assistant you will help Service Users with food preparation, as appropriate to the individual Service User’s needs. You will help facilitate the Service Users’ cookery experience by setting up the kitchen and helping with washing up and cleaning the kitchen at the end of the session.
How often do I need to volunteer?
Approximately one Saturday morning every four weeks.
How much time do I need to give?
Classes run from 10am – 2.15pm.
What training and support will I get?
You will receive training specifically for the role. We also offer training for food hygiene, health & safety and HIV awareness. We will cover alll travel expenses up to the cost of a one-day travelcard.
How can I be a really good Eating Positively Kitchen Assistant?
You need to be reliable and a good team player. Good interpersonal and communications skills are a must. Any volunteer for this role will need to have been an active kitchen volunteer for six months.
