Meals at YouthCare’s Orion Center don’t just help youth experiencing homelessness stay healthy: they’re key to building relationships and cultivating trust. Lunch and dinner are served Monday through Friday. Groups prepare and serve meals for up to 35 youth each meal.
NOTE:
If you would like to reserve a meal on the meal calendar for your group, please email volunteer@youthcare.org.
A Typical Meal Shift
Each 2.5-hour volunteer shift includes:
- Prepare and cook your meal with assistance from the Orion Center Meal Coordinator
- Serve youth cafeteria-style for forty-five minutes
- Clean up for thirty minutes
Meal Volunteer FAQs
What are the food preparation options?
- Bring uncooked, unprepared food (30-35 servings) and cook it in YouthCare’s commercial kitchen. Please include a vegan entree option, fruit, and vegetables.
- Donate money to cover the cost of food. We recommend $250 to cover the total cost of the meal, however, any amount is appreciated to assist in meal costs. Visit the donate page and in the comment section when you are donating, please indicate your donation is intended for meal service at the Orion Center.
- Prepare a meal with food from the kitchen. We will make arrangements to ensure food is available to cook for when your group arrives. Your helping hands and smiling faces are invaluable and our community’s homeless youth still need your help.
What kind of food can I donate?
We accept unopened, non-perishable food donations. Any prepared food you would like to donate must be prepared in a commercial kitchen in the presence of someone with a Food Handler’s Permit. The Orion Center’s kitchen is a commercial kitchen, so meal groups who have no access to a commercial kitchen must prepare their meal at the Orion Center.
Will we have help from YouthCare staff?
Yes! Our Meal Coordinator at the Orion Center will help you get situated in the kitchen, guide the meal shift, and make sure you have what you need.
Can my kids serve a meal with me?
All volunteers must be at least 18 years old in order to participate on-site.
How big can a meal group be?
The appropriate group size is 1-5 people.
Can I show up early or can we drop off food before our meal shift?
Once you sign up for a shift, you will see contact information to email if you need to make arrangements to drop off food outside the standard times. We want to ensure staff are prepared and can help when you arrive.
Do I need a Food Handlers Permit?
Volunteers are not required to have a Food Handler’s Permit as the Orion Center Meal Coordinator will be present during your meal shift.