Help prepare and serve dinner for our community on the first Saturday of each month! The kitchen at Open Doors is the only program in Norwalk providing free hot meals every day to anyone in need, and we would not be able to provide this essential service without the support of volunteers and donors. Meals are dine-in for our shelter guests and takeout for the community.
Each Saturday dinner service will have two shifts:
12:15pm-2:30pm – Help the kitchen team prepare and cook dinner (maximum 4 volunteers)
2:15pm-4:30pm – Help the kitchen team serve dinner and clean the kitchen (maximum 4 volunteers)
All kitchen volunteers must be at least 15 years old with at least one adult per shift, and there are specific safety requirements – see the dress code below.
Dress Code Guidelines:
Kitchen volunteers are to wear closed toe, closed heeled shoes; Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended as you will be standing for most of your shift. No part of the foot should be visible – this includes the top of the foot.
No short skirts, dresses, capris or shorts; legs should not be exposed for the volunteer’s safety. No sleeveless shirts.
Jewelry – dangling necklaces and earrings are advised to be taken off and kept in a secure place, rings can be put away or latex gloves can be worn.
Nail polish should be removed before or latex gloves can be worn. This goes for fake nails as well.
Loose scarves or accessories of the like should be removed for the volunteer’s safety. Head scarves must be tucked in the neckline and all hair must be covered.
All hair is tucked fully in hair nets. Beard guards are worn for anyone with facial hair.
An apron is to be worn in the kitchen at all times. Aprons should only be worn in the kitchen.
*Gloves, hairnets, beard nets and aprons are provided by the kitchen. Volunteers are also welcome to bring baseball caps or other fitted hats or head coverings that they would like to wear.
