Procedural Information

Safety

  • Do not bring valuables with you or lock them in your car.  We cannot be responsible for items lost or stolen while volunteering.
  • Secure coats, purses, personal items in designated location upon arriving to volunteer.
  • Sign in and out every time you volunteer.
  • Follow all food, equipment, building procedures, safety and hygiene rules (see pages 4-5).
  • Don’t prop doors open.
  • If you are responsible for supervising a youth, please stay on premises and remain aware of their situation.

Dress code

  • Full shirts must be worn – no tanks, bare midriffs, halter tops, etc.
  • Appropriate, closed-toe footwear must be worn; no flip flops or high heels.
  • If working in the kitchen or serving, tie back long hair.
  • Gloves and aprons will be provided.

Age Requirement

  • Our volunteers under the age of 12 may help out as long as they are accompanied by an adult at all times, and their parent has visited with coordinators prior to being at Open Kitchen during service hours.
  • Our volunteers who are 12-14 may help out at any time if a parent is present or under the supervision of a responsible adult.
  • Volunteers who are 15-17 may help out on their own as long as a release form is signed.

Hygiene

Wellness Policy

  • If you are not feeling well, please contact the volunteer coordinator and do not come to the kitchen; this will ensure volunteer and guest health and safety.
  • If during your volunteer time you begin to feel ill, inform the volunteer coordinator, sign out, then go home. DO NOT STAY IF YOU ARE SICK.

Proper hand washing technique

  • Use designated hand washing sink ONLY.
  • Wash hands with warm running water.
  • Apply enough soap to build lather.
  • Scrub between fingers, on back of hands and under nails.
  • Wash hands for 20 seconds.
  • Rinse and dry with paper towel.
  • Use paper towel to turn off tap.
  • When to wash hands?
    • When arriving to volunteer
    • Before working with food
    • After sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
    • After touching hair, face (eyes, nose, mouth), body
    • After using the restroom
    • Before putting on new gloves
    • After handling garbage
    • After handling dirty equipment, dishes or utensils
    • After touching raw meat, poultry or fish
    • Anytime you change tasks
    • Proper use of gloves
      • Gloves are never used in place of hand washing.
      • Wash and dry hands before putting on gloves.
      • Cover cuts and sores with a clean bandage before putting on gloves.
      • Gloves are for Single Use Only!
      • When to change gloves
        • When they are soiled or torn
        • When starting a new task
        • Every 4 hours (when working on same task)

Kitchen Don’ts

  • NO  gum chewing.
  • NO eating in the kitchen.
  • No taste testing.
  • NO smoking.
  • Do not touch food without gloves on.
  • NO horseplay in the kitchen or dining area.

Kitchen DOs

  • Wear gloves when serving.
  • Wash hands often.
  • Cover mouth when sneezing or coughing, then wash hands and/or change gloves.
  • Wear hair back in a ponytail, hairnet, or hat.
  • Be safe at all times.
  • Follow Universal Precautions when handling cleanup of any potential infectious material.