Volunteer FAQs

Volunteer

Volunteer FAQ

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

All volunteers must be at least 14 old. If anyone is a minor (under 18 years of age) a parental consent form must be filled out prior to being allowed to volunteer in the MANNA kitchen. All minor volunteers MUST have a signed consent form or they will not be allowed to volunteer.

What will I do during my shift?

Volunteers work in the kitchen under the guidance of MANNA’s amazing chefs. You will work on supervised tasks that our chef’s assign such as chopping vegetables, packing meals, filling meal trays, baking, and any other tasks for the day.

Is there a dress code?

Yes, volunteer safety is a priority at MANNA and the Department of Health requires a dress code for MANNA’s kitchen. Volunteers are required to adhere to the following guidelines:

  • No sleeveless shirts (t-shirts & long-sleeved shirts only)
  • Long pants are required
  • Closed toed shoes are required
  • Head coverings are required. Everyone is required to wear a hairnet regardless of the amount of hair. Hats are optional with the hairnet.
  • Beard nets are required for those with facial hair that is more than stubble
  • Disposable gloves, hairnets, and aprons are required and provided on-site
  • Loose or dangling jewelry (rings, bracelets, watches, earrings, other) is not allowed in the kitchen
What are the volunteer hours?

Monday – Wednesday Kitchen Shifts:

  • 7am – 10am
  • 10am – 1pm
  • 1pm – 4pm
  • 5pm – 8pm

Thursday Kitchen Shifts:

  • 7am – 10am
  • 10am – 1pm
  • 1pm – 4pm

Friday Kitchen Shifts:

(Please note that our kitchen closes at 1pm on Fridays):

  • 7am – 10am
  • 10am – 1pm
Do I need to have cooking skills?

No, our MANNA chefs will show you exactly what you need to do. There are many non-cooking opportunities in our kitchen, such as packing sandwiches or packaging meals on the MANNA turnout line.

Accessibility at MANNA
  • We have an elevator/ there are no steps in the building.
  • All bathrooms are individual and gender-inclusive, and we have wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
  • The kitchen is a large commercial kitchen outfitted with standing-height tables. All kitchen tasks require standing. Please contact us for seated tasks/accommodations.
  • We continue to work towards creating visual checklists and sharing information in a variety of modalities.
  • The kitchen can be busy and loud. We play music on speakers. Please contact us for sensory accommodations/quiet spaces.
Where do I park?

Metered, zoned, and garage parking is available nearby. MANNA is also easily accessible from the following SEPTA bus routes: 7, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48, and 49.