1. How do I get started?

Our application process takes 3* steps:

  • Step 1: Fill out a volunteer sign-up form to register in our system.
  • Step 2: Attend any volunteer orientation at your convenience.
  • Step 3: Once you have completed the first two steps*, you’ll be approved in the system, you will receive a Welcome email, and you will be able to sign up for volunteer shifts at your convenience.
  • *Volunteers doing court-ordered community service hours will need to complete a background check before Step 3. Please see FAQ #7 for more information.

2. Do I need to schedule in advance?

  • All volunteers must sign up via our website and attend an orientation prior to volunteering. No walk-ins are accepted. 
  • Once you are an approved volunteer in our system, you will need to sign up for shifts online or by communicating with the Volunteer Engagement staff. 

3. What are the requirements to volunteer?

  • All volunteers must be over 18 years old or accompanied by an adult. 
  • All volunteers must be COVID-19 vaccinated (two initial doses, no boosters necessary). 
  • Volunteer delivery drivers and court-ordered volunteers must pass a background check. 
  • No previous experience is necessary. 
  • Some of our funding sources require periodic volunteer training, which will be administered by the Volunteer Engagement staff. You will be notified by email about these training courses as they arise. 

4. How old do I have to be to volunteer? Can I bring my child?

  • All volunteers under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or an approved adult. 
  • All volunteers in the Mama’s Kitchen building must be at least 14 years old and accompanied by an adult. 
  • You may bring a child of any age on a delivery route; it is often a great way to get younger children involved! 
  • We do not recommend our volunteer opportunities for children under 5 years old. 

5. Do I have to make a regular time commitment?

  • No, you do not need to make a regular time commitment, however, we do encourage regular volunteering! Please sign up for volunteer shifts at your convenience via your MyImpactPage.com account. 

6. Do you have volunteer opportunities on the weekend?

  • Currently, we do NOT have weekend volunteer opportunities.
  • Mama’s Kitchen hosts multiple events throughout the year that may fall on a weekend. When these opportunities are available, they will be communicated with you via email.
  • Mama’s Kitchen is open Monday through Friday, with volunteer opportunities between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, depending on the day.
  • Click here to view a detailed schedule.

7. Can you verify court-ordered hours?

  • Yes, we can verify court-ordered hours with the following restrictions:
  • Mama’s Kitchen accepts court-ordered volunteers for our delivery-driving activity ONLY. Deliveries are on Tuesdays and Fridays, with routes picking up at 12:00 PM (12:30-3:30 PM delivery window), 3:00 PM, or 3:45 PM (3:00-6:00 PM delivery window). Volunteer drivers must use their own personal vehicles.
  • All court-ordered volunteers must pass a background check. We are unable to accept volunteers with violent offenses, theft, or DUI on their record. The volunteer team reserves the right to decline any applicant based on background check results at their discretion.
  • Court-ordered volunteers must fill out the required fields in the My Impact Page Volunteer Application to receive proof of hours. Any court-ordered volunteer who does not indicate that they need proof of hours prior to volunteering is ineligible to receive an official proof of hours letter upon completion of their hours.

8. Can I bring a group?

  • Yes. Please get in touch with us at Volunteer@MamasKitchen.org to schedule a group.
  • At this time, we are only able to accept groups for our delivery-driving activity. Small groups of 2-4 people per car deliver meals to our clients. Deliveries are on Tuesdays and Fridays, with routes picking up at 12:00 PM (12:30-3:30 PM delivery window), 3:00 PM, or 3:45 PM (3:00-6:00 PM delivery window). Volunteer drivers must use their own personal vehicles.
  • If you would like a personalized, after-hours group experience, please contact Maggie@mamaskitchen.org for more information about our Corporate Thursday activities.

9. Do volunteer meal delivery drivers need their own car?

  • Yes, volunteer meal delivery drivers must use their own personal vehicles. 

10. Can I help cook?

  • Mama’s Kitchen staff prepares all of the meals, and a valid Food Handler’s Certificate is required to cook and prepare food by California State Law. 
  • If you have a valid Food Handler’s Card, please let us know during the application process.  
  • If you are interested in volunteering in the kitchen but do not have a Food Handler’s Card, we recommend Meal Plating!