Frequently Asked Questions

The Food Chain adheres to a policy of confidentiality that applis to all the services we deliver and the people delivering them.We rely heavily on the discretion and sensitivity of our volunteers. We ask for two references as we need to know that we can trust you to be discrete and respect the confidentiality of The Food Chain and the people who access our services at all times.

No, we give basic HIV awareness training at the Induction Evening.

Our kitchen is located on Gray’s Inn Road, about a 5 minute walk from King’s Cross St Pancras. All of our volunteering is based there, apart from when we’re out and about selling cakes and shaking buckets! 

This varies depending on which role you are volunteering in.  Kitchen Assistants, Lead Cooks, Nutrition Assistants and Hosts need to commit to one shift every 4-6 weeks. Most office based roles including Dietetic Support Volunteer and Volunteer Community Dietitian require one day per week. Check the role descriptions for full details. 

During lockdown we had some home-based volunteering open to qualified Dietitians and Nutritionists. Other than this, all of our volunteering is based in our King’s Cross kitchen.

We welcome applications from volunteers with disabilities; however your ability to volunteer would depend on the role. Please email volunteering@foodchain.org.uk  if you wish to discuss this further.

Yes! We welcome applications from past Service Users. You’ll need to follow the exact same process as other volunteers.

If you have volunteered at Eating Together, we will provide reference if you have completed at least six shifts. For office based volunteers we can provide a reference after you have been with us three months.

Yes, The Food Chain will reimburse travel expenses to and from your shift according to our Finance Policy. We are able to reimburse travel expenses to the maximum value of a zone 6 Oyster card. If volunteering for 5 hours or more, we will also reimburse lunch expenses up to £5. You must provide us with evidence to claim.

You will always be supported no matter which role you do. There is always a member of staff to defer to no matter when or where you’re volunteering. The Training & Volunteer Coordinator is also always on hand help and answer any questions or concerns, you can email them on volunteering@foodchain.org.uk

All volunteers need to attend two trainings – a Food Chain Volunteer Induction and a session on Service User Support. You can read more about them here.

Other roles may require additional in-office training e.g. Dietetic Support Volunteer.

No, our beneficiaries do not fall into any of the categories that would require our volunteers to be DBS checked.

Yes. In order to protect our staff, Service Users and volunteers we require proof of double vaccination in order to volunteer, and would also require proof of negative lateral flow test before attending any volunteering shift. In general we do not require masks to be worn, but if this is a point of comfort for you we support your right to do so. 

Please be aware that our COVID precautions may change in accordance with government guidance, sector best practice and our own internal risk assessments.