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Volunteer Cook Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15/hr

Under the direct supervision of the Head Cook, the cook is responsible for preparation and serving ... Voluntary Short-term Disability * Other elective benefits

Cook

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$16.50/hr

The cook will be responsible for preparation and serving meals and performing cleanup. This is a ... Voluntary Short-term Disability * Other elective benefits

Cook

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

COOK Crossroads Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri AM Cook + PM Pizza Cook + Lazia Cook positions ... Paid time off to volunteer for the causes you care about in your community * Strong sense of ...

Cook

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$20/hr

COOK Crossroads Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri AM Cook + PM Pizza Cook + Lazia Cook positions ... Paid time off to volunteer for the causes you care about in your community * Strong sense of ...

Cook

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$17/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $17/hour Full-time positions available Day/Evening/Night shifts ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

Cook

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$20/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $20/hour Full-time and part-time positions available Day/Evening/Night ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

Cook

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$17/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $17/hour Full-time positions available Day/Evening/Night shifts ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

Cook

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$20/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $20/hour Full-time and part-time positions available Day/Evening/Night ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

Cook

Independence, MO · On-site

$18/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS - Up to $18 per hour depending on experience * Get paid daily ... plus voluntary benefits. * Flexible scheduling to accommodate school, life and family.

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS - Up to $18 per hour depending on experience * Get paid daily ... plus voluntary benefits. * Flexible scheduling to accommodate school, life and family.

Cook

Independence, MO · On-site

$18/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS - Up to $18 per hour depending on experience * Get paid daily ... plus voluntary benefits. * Flexible scheduling to accommodate school, life and family.

Cook

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/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.

Cook

Independence, MO · On-site

$18/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS - Up to $18 per hour depending on experience * Get paid daily ... plus voluntary benefits. * Flexible scheduling to accommodate school, life and family.

Cook

Saint Charles, MO · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cook No late nights! Our friendly residents like to eat early. Here you can truly have a satisfying ... Voluntary benefits including: Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, legal ...

Cook

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

VOLUNTARY BENEFITS - LIFE/AD&D, STD, LTD, CRITICAL ILLNESS, ACCIDENT, HOSPITAL INDEMNITY * SHORT ... Cook Experience in SNF, preferred Salary Description Based On Experience

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Showing results 1-20

Volunteer Cook information

See Missouri salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do volunteer cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer cook in Missouri is $15.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.92 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 Missouri?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Missouri are:

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Volunteer Cook jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Volunteer Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Cook job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,273 per year, or $15 per hour.

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Salvation Army rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

597th of 781 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

The Salvation Army Springfield Harbor House Shelter located in Springfield, Missouri, is looking for cooks.Under the direct supervision of the Head Cook, the cook is responsible for preparation and serving meals andperforming cleanup.

This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, with starting pay of $15.00 per hour.

636 N Boonville Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

Essential Functions
(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential
duties.):

  1. Prepare and serve food.
  2. Comply with all safety and health regulations/codes regarding food preparation and service including
    maintenance of proper sanitation by wearing plastic gloves, hair nets, and aprons.
  3. Maintain cleanliness in kitchen and dining areas.
  4. Sanitize all cooking utensils.Lift and carry cooking materials and supplies.
  5. Operate necessary kitchen equipment for food preparation & clean-up.
  6. Attend any necessary state certification classes and participate in required meetings of lodge staff.

Full job description available upon interview.

This job description should not be interpreted as an all-inclusive list. It is intended to identify the essential duties and requirements of the position. Employee will follow other instructions, and perform other related duties, as may be required by his/her supervisor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and one year cooking experience. Combination of education and experience will be considered. Able to comply with recipes and safety handling instructions. Medically qualified to work in food service area. Must have a valid food handling certificate.

Physical and Working Conditions

Must be able to perform the above essential duties. Capable of frequently lifting 25 pounds and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds. Will occasionally move 50 or more pounds using dolly/cart/truck. Most work will be indoors in a temperature control environment: however, in the kitchen it will get above 80 degrees at times and cold in the walk-in refrigerator/freezer if so equipped.

Who are we?

https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/

The Salvation Army Mission

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Fair Chance Hire

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

The Salvation Army offers a competitive benefit package including:

  • 14 days paid holidays
  • Sick time, personal days, and a floating holiday
  • Health, Dental, Vision, and Hearing insurance
  • Company-paid Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Company-paid Pension Fund
  • Long Term Disability with buyup option
  • Voluntary Retirement Fund (403b)
  • Voluntary Aflac products
  • Voluntary Short-term Disability
  • Other elective benefits

What Salvation Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Salvation Army logo

About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US