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Volunteer Cook Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Corporate-Chefs

Cook

Westford, MA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 41881 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Dining & Events Brand ... Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity * Discount Program

Elior North America

Cook

Westford, MA

$24 - $25/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 41881 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Dining & Events Brand ... Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity * Discount Program

Elior North America

Cook

Westford, MA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 41881 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Dining & Events Brand ... Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity * Discount Program

Raising Cane's

Cook

Boston, MA · On-site

$17/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $17.00 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant ... Access to voluntary benefits through an insurance marketplace, including Medical & Pharmacy, Dental ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Boston, MA · On-site

$17/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $17.00 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant ... Access to voluntary benefits through an insurance marketplace, including Medical & Pharmacy, Dental ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Boston, MA · On-site

$17/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $17.00 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant ... Access to voluntary benefits through an insurance marketplace, including Medical & Pharmacy, Dental ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Boston, MA · On-site

$17/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $17.00 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant ... Access to voluntary benefits through an insurance marketplace, including Medical & Pharmacy, Dental ...

Air Culinaire Worldwide

Cook

Revere, MA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

The Cook is responsible for quality of food ingredients used and preparation methods. The Cook ... Company paid basic life insurance, with the option to elect additional voluntary term life.

Veterans Health Administration

Cook

West Roxbury, MA · On-site

$28.61 - $33.38/hr

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable ... Works with other cooks, food service workers, and supervisors. Exposed to stems, cooking odors, and ...

Veterans Health Administration

Cook

Brockton, MA · On-site

$28.61 - $33.38/hr

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable ... Works with other cooks, food service workers, and supervisors. Exposed to stems, cooking odors, and ...

Del Frisco's Grille

Line Cook

Westwood, MA · On-site

$16 - $25/hr

Community volunteer opportunities with Landry's League * Positive and respectful work environment where diversity is valued Responsibilities * Broiler cooking experience preferred * Prepare and cook ...

Del Frisco's Grille

Line Cook

Westwood, MA · On-site

$16 - $25/hr

Community volunteer opportunities with Landry's League * Positive and respectful work environment where diversity is valued Responsibilities * Broiler cooking experience preferred * Prepare and cook ...

Elior North America

Cook

Milton, MA · On-site

$17/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 41475 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Healthcare Brand ... Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity * Discount Program

Cura-Hospitality

Cook

Milton, MA · On-site

$17/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 41475 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Healthcare Brand ... Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity * Discount Program

Elior North America

Cook

Milton, MA · On-site

$17/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 41475 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Healthcare Brand ... Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity * Discount Program

MERIDIAN SENIOR LIVING

Cook - Full Time

Cumberland, RI · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Voluntary Benefits that include Short Term Disability, Accident Coverage, Critical Illness, and ... As a Cook, you will work closely with our Dining Services Manager and will be responsible for the ...

Meridian Senior Living

Cook - Full Time

Cumberland, RI · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Voluntary Benefits that include Short Term Disability, Accident Coverage, Critical Illness, and ... As a Cook, you will work closely with our Dining Services Manager and will be responsible for the ...

Erickson Senior Living

Line Cook

Peabody, MA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

PTO, paid volunteer hours, and competitive benefits packages including medical, dental, vision for ... Execute cook-to-order meals with consistent quality, portioning, and presentation * Maintain a ...

Erickson

Line Cook

Peabody, MA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

PTO, paid volunteer hours, and competitive benefits packages including medical, dental, vision for ... Prepare and cook menu items using proper techniques, recipes, and food safety standards * Execute ...

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All JobsVolunteer Cook JobsVolunteer Cook Jobs in Boston, MA

Volunteer Cook information

See Boston, MA salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do volunteer cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer cook in Boston, MA is $17.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $19.57 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 Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Volunteer Cook jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Volunteer Cook job openings:

Volunteer Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Cook job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,221 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Lead Cook, LTLC

South Middlesex Opportunity Council

Lowell, MA • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Supervise all day-to-day kitchen operations, including food preparation, service, and hygiene standards.

  • Manage the operational and fiscal activities of the kitchen, including staffing, budgeting, and inventory control.

  • Coordinate with the Wellness and Development departments to ensure nutritional meal provision, volunteer engagement, and community relationships.

Job description

Summary: Lead operations dedicated to the provision of nutritious meals and the general cleanliness and hygiene of the LTLC kitchen. The Lead Cook will supervise all day to day operations of the LTLC kitchen. The Lead Cook will work closely with the Wellness Manager to ensure health and wellness initiatives in the area of Nutrition and health food initiatives are developed and executed. The Lead Cook will also work collaboratively with the Development department to incorporate volunteers and donated goods into the kitchen operations. As a member of the LTLC staff this position will have ongoing responsibilities to engage respectfully with clients, assist in crisis management, model appropriate client/staff interactions, help to ensure the safety of clients/staff, and fulfill all assigned shift responsibilities.

Why Work for SMOC?

  • Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
  • Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.
  • 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.
  • Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Manage the operational and fiscal activities of the kitchen program/department to include: staffing levels, budgets, and financial goals.
  • Recruit staff and provide timely mentoring and training. Complete required paperwork and electronic recordkeeping in accordance with company policy.
  • Using electronic spreadsheets coordinate with Wellness Manager to maintain accurate meal counts and other kitchen documentation for billing, development and reporting purposes.
  • Work with Development department to ensure effective volunteer and Dinner Donor Program coordination, marketing and community relationships. Provide feedback via spreadsheets and email to coordinate food programing with development and wellness program goals.
  • Provide preparation and provision of nutritional meals following the menus developed with the Wellness Manager; provide for the hygienic needs of the client population utilizing all private, donated and public food provider sources.
  • Supervise general kitchen staff and assigned LTLC staff in the preparation and service of daily meals.
  • Maintain a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere within the shelter with staff and volunteers.
  • Assist in the daily menu construction in consultation with the Wellness Manger.
  • Maintain safe sanitary conditions in the kitchen incompliance with City of Lowell and state health codes.
  • Coordinate with Wellness Manager provide inventory control and procuring foodstuff within assigned budget.
  • Provide timely data on maintenance requirements of kitchen equipment via SMOC emailed maintenance requests.
  • Maintain proper records electronically as assigned by the Wellness Manager and Component Director.
  • Train, coordinate and/or supervise community volunteers in the performance of kitchen/maintenance support
  • Support Development Director’s efforts to engage volunteers to prepare and serve meals.
  • Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
  • Attend & participate in team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
  • Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent experience required.
  • Food preparation experience required.
  • Serv Safe Training certificate required.
  • Sensitivity to low-income people of diverse backgrounds. 
  • Excellent listening skills.
  • Must be able to work with a team oriented focus in a large urban shelter environment. 
  • Ability to manage complicated relationships with clients, staff, and external service providers.

Organizational Relationship: 

  • Directly reports to Component Director of LTLC.
  • Dotted line reporting relationship with Wellness Manager and Development Director.
  • Direct Reports of this position are Cook, Cook-Assistant and Cook Relief positions. 

Physical Requirement: 

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time
  • Ability to carry a quantity of items necessary for the operation of a commercial kitchen.

Working Conditions: This position is located in a shelter environment and interacts regularly with clients. As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Lead Cook will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.


Sunday through Thursday: 10:00AM - 6:00PM. Includes a 1-hour unpaid lunch break.
35 Hours per week.