Community Kitchen

Community Kitchen Volunteer Info

Thank you for helping! Here is what you need to know:

What You Will Do

You will help make lunch, serve lunch to about 250 people, and help clean the dining room after.

Simple Schedule

• 8:45–9:00 – You'll learn about Caritas of Austin then get suited up to help (apron, hairnet, safety overview)

• 9:00–11:00 – Make food (chop, mix, prepare)

• 11:00–12:30 – Serve meals

• 12:30–1:30 – Clean the dining room and kitchen

Note: There is no lunch break in this schedule. Volunteers do not eat the lunch that is served.
You can bring your own snacks and eat them during the shift if you need to.

Parking

All parking near us costs a fee. There are many spots near us but none are free.
There are meters and a pay lot right in front of Caritas.
Please look at the city’s page for parking rules.

What to Wear

Do wear:

• Jeans or long pants

• T-shirt

• Closed-toe shoes

• A hat or a hair net (we provide hairnets)

• Long hair tied back

Do NOT wear:

• Sandals or open-toe shoes

• Shorts

• Tank tops

If your clothes don’t follow the rules, you will need to change before you can help.

If You Can’t Come

If you signed up but cannot make it, please remove yourself from the volunteer list. This helps us know how many helpers we really have.

Age Rules

• Volunteers 13–17 years old must come with an adult who is also signed up to volunteer for the same day.

Volunteer Packet

The volunteer packet can be found here!
It has very important information about parking, clothing, and how the kitchen works.
Please read it.

Adults bringing kids: please read the packet with them so they know what to expect.

Forms & Waiver

When you pick your volunteer date, you will fill out a form and agree to a safety waiver.
If you bring a minor (ages 13–17), please write their name in the form too.