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Volunteer Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Volunteers of America

Driver Cook

Hollywood, CA · On-site

$19.72 - $20.76/hr

VOALA Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories Volunteers of America is a non-profit ... When not delivering meals, the Driver/Cook shall assist in food preparation as needed for on-site ...

Department of Human Services

Cook

Hemet, CA · On-site

$24.92/hr

The position is responsible for performing cook duties working alone or with a lower-level graded ... Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National ...

Volunteers of America

Driver Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19.72 - $20.76/hr

VOALA Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories Volunteers of America is a non-profit ... When not delivering meals, the Driver/Cook shall assist in food preparation as needed for on-site ...

Volunteers of America

Driver Cook

North Hollywood, CA · On-site

$19.72 - $20.76/hr

VOALA Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories Volunteers of America is a non-profit ... When not delivering meals, the Driver/Cook shall assist in food preparation as needed for on-site ...

The Arlington of Naples

Cook (FT)

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$24.37 - $31.19/hr

Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, Identity & Fraud Protection, and Pet Insurance * Competitive ... Exhibit cooking standards of speed, accuracy, and efficiency. * Demonstrate knowledge in all areas ...

Life Care Services

Cook (FT)

Cupertino, CA

$24.37 - $31.19/hr

Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, Identity & Fraud Protection, and Pet Insurance * Competitive ... Exhibit cooking standards of speed, accuracy, and efficiency. * Demonstrate knowledge in all areas ...

Asbury Village

Cook (FT)

Cupertino, CA

$24.37 - $31.19/hr

Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, Identity & Fraud Protection, and Pet Insurance * Competitive ... Exhibit cooking standards of speed, accuracy, and efficiency. * Demonstrate knowledge in all areas ...

Heritage at Irene Woods

Cook (FT)

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$24.37 - $31.19/hr

Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, Identity & Fraud Protection, and Pet Insurance * Competitive ... Exhibit cooking standards of speed, accuracy, and efficiency. * Demonstrate knowledge in all areas ...

Life Care Services

Cook (FT)

Cupertino, CA

$24.37 - $31.19/hr

Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, Identity & Fraud Protection, and Pet Insurance * Competitive ... Exhibit cooking standards of speed, accuracy, and efficiency. * Demonstrate knowledge in all areas ...

Life Care Companies, LLC

Cook (FT)

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$24.37 - $31.19/hr

Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, Identity & Fraud Protection, and Pet Insurance * Competitive ... Exhibit cooking standards of speed, accuracy, and efficiency. * Demonstrate knowledge in all areas ...

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23.89/hr

This Cook position is located within the Nutrition & Food Service at the VA Medical Center in ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable ...

Veterans Health Administration

Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$23.89 - $27.86/hr

Summary This Cook position is located within the Nutrition & Food Service at the VA Medical Center ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable ...

US Department of the Navy

COOK A05

Twentynine Palms, CA · On-site

$20.60/hr

... and volunteers who keep the organization functioning smoothly and effectively.Qualifications ... Ability to evaluate a variety of raw and cooked food items to ascertain their freshness. Knowledge ...

Thomas Management LLC

Cook - Healthcare

Fresno, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Cook - Healthcare | Location: Fresno, CA 93721 Compensation: $24 per hour| Full-Time Schedule: Open ... Voluntary HSA with Company Match * Voluntary FSA * Free Employee Assistance Program (Behavioral ...

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$19.38 - $24.23/hr

Optional voluntary benefits including ID theft protection and pet insurance Full Time Only Benefits ... cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.

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Volunteer Cook information

See California salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do volunteer cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer cook in California is $15.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer cook?

Volunteer Cooks are individuals who offer their time and culinary skills to prepare meals for organizations or community groups without receiving financial compensation. They typically work in places like shelters, soup kitchens, community centers, or at charitable events. Their main responsibilities include planning menus, preparing and cooking food, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and sometimes serving meals. Volunteer Cooks play a vital role in supporting community nutrition and providing meals to those in need.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety practices, and often a food handler’s permit. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, meal planning software, and inventory management systems can be beneficial. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication help create a positive kitchen environment and ensure efficient service. These skills are crucial for preparing nutritious meals safely and efficiently while supporting the mission of community kitchens or nonprofit organizations.

What are some common challenges volunteer cooks face, and how can they be managed effectively?

Volunteer Cooks often work in environments with limited resources and time constraints, such as community kitchens or shelters. They may need to adapt recipes based on available ingredients and dietary restrictions. Effective communication with team members and flexibility are key to overcoming these challenges. Staying organized and preparing in advance can also help ensure smooth meal service and a positive experience for both cooks and those they serve.

What is the difference between Volunteer Cook vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectVolunteer CookKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically required; culinary skills preferredNone required; basic food handling knowledge beneficial
Work EnvironmentCommunity kitchens, shelters, food banksCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, charities, community organizationsRestaurants, hotels, catering companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles in food serviceLearning about support roles in kitchens

Volunteer Cooks typically operate in community or nonprofit settings without formal credentials, focusing on preparing food for those in need. Kitchen Assistants work in commercial environments, assisting with food prep and cleaning. Both roles support kitchen operations but differ mainly in setting and scope of responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Volunteer Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Volunteer Cook job openings:

Volunteer Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,903 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Driver Cook

Volunteers of America

Hollywood, CA • On-site

$19.72 - $20.76/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Volunteers Of America rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

370th of 786 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

About Us:
VOALA
Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories
Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans� services, homeless shelters, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at www.voala.org .
PAY RATE: $19.72 - $20.76 Per Hour
BENEFITS: VOALA offers competitive medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits
JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE
The Driver/Cook shall prepare and package meals for delivery to the designated program sites. When not delivering meals, the Driver/Cook shall assist in food preparation as needed for on-site meals, assist in kitchen sanitation, and perform inventory tasks.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Deliver packaged meals to remote program sites across Los Angeles County.
  • Assembly, packing and proper placement and care of meals including ensuring appropriate temperature levels of meals when distributed to sites across Los Angeles County
  • Maintain food inventory and prepare food supply order; ensure proper food storage temperatures and rotate stored food properly, organize and keep record of food service items at each distribution site.
  • Maintains all indoor and outdoor delivery equipment in a safe and attractive condition, cleaning and repairing as needed.
  • Maintain program vehicle in good operating condition, clean vehicle and equipment after each delivery
  • Prepare, cook and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, for on-premises dining and delivery to remote sites.
    • Prepare raw food for cooking by washing, peeling, cutting and seasoning;
    • monitor food during cooking process including testing, turning and/or stirring;
    • regulate cooking temperatures of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters, etc.
    • properly package meals for delivery as required.
  • Perform regular kitchen and storage area clean up: sweep/mop floors, wash/scrub sinks, ovens, stove and grill. Maintain highest levels of sanitation as required by local and government regulations.
  • Maintain safe environment at all times in accordance with industry standards and safety regulations
  • On-time receiving, transferring, and organizing food supplies as delivered to kitchen facility
  • Assist nutrition staff with various production needs, perform other related duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL ABILITY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Ability to work and deal with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as VOALA serves the neediest of the needy in our programs, which may include clients with homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration, and other challenges.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
  • Services for this position must be provided on-site. As a result, the position requires incumbents to report to work on-site each day of active employment.
  • Package and deliver meals to assigned facilities. Including loading and unloading meal cargo boxes.
  • Prepare, cook and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, for on-premises dining and delivery to remote sites
  • Maintain delivery equipment and vehicles in good working condition.
  • Wash and clean cooking utensils, equipment and maintain a safe and sanitary food service environment.
  • Maintain inventory at delivery locations, organize and keep record of food service items including quantities and specifications.
  • Assist inventory and sanitation tasks at kitchen when not engaged in delivery duties.
  • Other duties as required and may be subject to change

MANDATED REPORTER
As service providers to the underprivileged and vulnerable in our community, all employees are considered Mandated Reporters, and must report any instance of physical or sexual abuse to proper authorities.
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications
  • Proof at the time of hire
    • TB clearance within 6 months� prior
    • Annual Influenza vaccination (between Aug 1 � Dec 1)
    • Pertussis (whooping cough) and measles immunization
  • Health screening at the time of employment
  • Requires ability to interact with children in a busy environment including, but not limited to:
    • Able to lift up to 50 lbs.
    • Frequently kneel and squat
    • Ability to move quickly
  • Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflicts dealing with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as VOALA serves the neediest of the needy in our programs which may include clients with homelessness, mental-illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration and other challenges.

EDUCATION:
  • California Food Handler certification. (Must obtain within 90 days of hire)
  • California Driver's license in good standing, good driving record and insurance in force.

EXPERIENCE:
  • Six Months experience as a delivery driver

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Six Months experience as a food service worker, in catering or food preparation
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • First Aid/CPR certification.
  • Certifications in public health, Nutrition, Food safety, or related field.
  • Work experience in food industry.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish or other language
  • Knowledge of nutritional practices and principles

Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
This employer participates in E-Verify as required by the federal government and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.

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