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Volunteer Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Volunteers of America

Cook PRN

Arlington, VA · On-site

$20.40 - $23.40/hr

Discover why Volunteers of America National Services has been recognized as a Great Place to Work ... Plans and initiates cooking schedule for food preparation to meet meal schedule. * Prepares ...

Volunteers of America

Cook (Full-Time)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$20.40 - $23.40/hr

Discover why Volunteers of America National Services has been recognized as a Great Place to Work ... Plans and initiates cooking schedule for food preparation to meet meal schedule. * Prepares ...

Careers | Volunteers of America

Cook PRN

Arlington, VA · On-site

$20.40 - $23.40/hr

Discover why Volunteers of America National Services has been recognized as a Great Place to Work ... Plans and initiates cooking schedule for food preparation to meet meal schedule. * Prepares ...

New

AMERICAN HEALTHCARE LLC

Cook

Rich Creek, VA

$14 - $18.81/hr

If you are a Cook who enjoys ensuring healthy, nutritious meals are available to help our community ... Voluntary Long/Short-Term Disability * Live Health Oneline * PTO * Employee Assistance Program ...

American HealthCare LLC

Cook

Rich Creek, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.81/hr

If you are a Cook who enjoys ensuring healthy, nutritious meals are available to help our community ... Voluntary Long/Short-Term Disability * Live Health Oneline * PTO * Employee Assistance Program ...

frc

Cook

Salem, VA

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

The Cook is responsible for preparing daily meals for residents, staff and visitors. They will ... Voluntary insurance (additional life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness, short term ...

AMERICAN HEALTHCARE LLC

Cook

Blacksburg, VA

$14.50 - $19.49/hr

If you are a Cook who enjoys ensuring healthy, nutritious meals are available to help our community ... Voluntary Long/Short-Term Disability * Live Health Online * PTO * Employee Assistance Program (EAP ...

American HealthCare LLC

Cook

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.49/hr

If you are a Cook who enjoys ensuring healthy, nutritious meals are available to help our community ... Voluntary Long/Short-Term Disability * Live Health Online * PTO * Employee Assistance Program (EAP ...

HHS LLC

Cook

Wytheville, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $15/hour Full-time and part-time positions available Day/Evening/Night ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

Hhs

Cook

Wytheville, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $15/hour Full-time and part-time positions available Day/Evening/Night ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

Hhs

Cook

Midlothian, VA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Under the guidance of the chef/production manager, cook meals and provide food service for patients ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

HHS LLC

Cook

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Under the guidance of the chef/production manager, cook meals and provide food service for patients ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

HHS LLC

Cook

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Culinary experience (cook, cooking, line cook, commercial kitchen, fast food, dietary cook, healt ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

Hhs

Cook

Richmond, VA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Culinary experience (cook, cooking, line cook, commercial kitchen, fast food, dietary cook, healt ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

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Volunteer Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do volunteer cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer cook in Virginia is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.88 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Volunteer Cook jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Volunteer Cook job openings:

Volunteer Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Cook job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,054 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Cook PRN

Arlington, VA • On-site

Volunteers of America
Non-Profits • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Volunteers of Americaexternal

$20.40 - $23.40/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Volunteers Of America rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Come join our awesome team as a Cook at Mary Marshall Assisted Living. We're offering a great work environment! Discover why Volunteers of America National Services has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® for seven consecutive years! Our employees share that their work holds special meaning-it's more than "just a job."
Mary Marshall is part of Volunteers of America National Services which serves as the Housing and Healthcare affiliate of the Volunteers of America parent organization.
Salary: $20.40 - $23.40 per hour based on previous experience.
POSITION SUMMARY
To provide quality food service in accordance with all State and Federal regulations and to meet the nutritional and individual needs of the residents.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Qualifications:
  • High School diploma/GED required preferred.
  • Must be eighteen (18) years of age.
  • General knowledge of quantity food preparation and portioned serving required.
  • Friendly and enjoy working with the elderly.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Completes defined food preparation, serving of meals and cleaning duties according to proper procedures, using various dietary equipment and supplies, as assigned by the Director of Dietary and Management Team.
  • Plans and initiates cooking schedule for food preparation to meet meal schedule.
  • Prepares, seasons, cooks and serves meat, main dish, soup and vegetable for assigned meal; ensures appropriate portioned servings according to portion control standards.
  • Prepares nutritional snacks for residents as assigned.

About Mary Marshall Assisted Living:
We provide outstanding, compassionate care to older adults with intellectual disabilities or mental illness. We are located in Arlington, VA, a wonderful city right across the Potomac River from Washington, DC! Our community is tight-knit, and we work as a team. We look out for and support our employees in all that they do, and offer a comprehensive benefits package that fosters a great work/life balance.
At VOANS, we celebrate sharing, encouraging and embracing diversity. Equal employment opportunities are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that blending individual strengths and unique personal differences nurtures and supports our organizations' shared commitment to our mission and creates an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to do their personal best.
#VOANS
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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