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Volunteer Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Sarver, PA

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook/Food Service Opportunity at Quality Life Services - Sarver Quality Life Services in Sarver, PA ... Voluntary Benefits: Access a robust voluntary benefits package, including 401K, life insurance ...

Cook

Sarver, PA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Voluntary Benefits: Access a robust voluntary benefits package, including 401K, life insurance ... As a Cook your primary responsibility is cooking and providing meals for our residents. * Handle ...

Cook

Grand Junction, CO

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance plus voluntary benefits. NOW HIRING / IMMEDIATELY HIRING: LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or ...

COOK

Clinton, AR · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Volunteer Services * Foundation * Blog * Testimonials My Account Job Openings >> COOK COOK Summary Title: COOK ID: 1142 Location: Clinton, AR Department: Food Services More about this job ...

Cook

North Canton, OH · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Medical, Dental, Vision, Additional Voluntary Life, Additional Voluntary AD&D * 401(k) * Paid Time ... We are currently seeking applicants for Cook positions. This position is often also referred to as ...

Kitchen Cook

Murray, KY · On-site

$14/hr

You will cook dishes that will delight our customers with their taste and timely delivery. An ... Life insurance - voluntary/supplemental (30+ hours/week average) * Accident Insurance - voluntary ...

You will cook dishes that will delight our customers with their taste and timely delivery. An ... Life insurance - voluntary/supplemental (30+ hours/week average) * Accident Insurance - voluntary ...

Kitchen Cook

Murray, KY · On-site

$14/hr

You will cook dishes that will delight our customers with their taste and timely delivery. An ... Life insurance - voluntary/supplemental (30+ hours/week average) * Accident Insurance - voluntary ...

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

Kitchen Cook

Evansville, IN · On-site

$10 - $16/hr

You will cook dishes that will delight our customers with their taste and timely delivery. An ... Life insurance - voluntary/supplemental (30+ hours/week average) * Accident Insurance - voluntary ...

Kitchen Cook

Owensboro, KY · On-site

$12 - $17/hr

You will cook dishes that will delight our customers with their taste and timely delivery. An ... Life insurance - voluntary/supplemental (30+ hours/week average) * Accident Insurance - voluntary ...

Cook

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of ... plus voluntary benefits. * Flexible scheduling to accommodate school, life and family.

Showing results 41-60

Volunteer Cook information

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$8

$16

$22

How much do volunteer cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 cities are hiring for Volunteer Cook jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Cook job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs?

The most popular types of Cook jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Cook jobs?

States with the most job openings for Volunteer Cook jobs include:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

Weekend Cook - Moving Forward

Volunteers of America Upstate NY

Rochester, NY • On-site

$22.50 - $23.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Volunteers Of America rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

387th of 772 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Make a difference in a family's life!
Volunteers of America Upstate New York's continuum of residential programs offer homeless & low-income individuals and families safe housing and support services. We provide long-term solutions to the problems of homelessness, addiction, incarceration, and poverty by helping the people we serve overcome obstacles and develop healthier, more self-sufficient lives.
Weekend Cook - Moving Forward
JOB SUMMARY:
To prepare and serve meals that is nutritious and in accordance with the posted menu and/or the directions of the head cook. Maintain an environment that is sanitary and in compliance with all standards set forth by the New York State regulatory agencies and Volunteers of America of Western New York, Inc. Rochester provides services to Supportive housing in addition to re-entry and Rochester provides services to Emergency housing.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILTIES:
  • Prepare and serve meals according to the posted menu and/or directions of the head cook, in a sanitary atmosphere at designated meal times in accordance with agency policies.
  • Assist in the maintaining of a complete food inventory in accordance with regulatory agencies and Volunteers of America of Western New York, Inc. requirements and assure that all food is rotated and properly labeled clean up the kitchen and other designated areas, after each meal.
  • Maintain cleanliness and proper functioning of kitchen equipment in accordance with regulatory agency and Volunteers of America of Western New York, Inc. regulations.
  • Assist in the preparation and submit a weekly requisition for food stock, assisting in the acquisition of same and the restocking of inventory as it comes into the facility.
  • Treat residents, fellow staff and supervisors with respect and compassion at all times.
  • Other tasks as assigned.
  • Cover shifts as need for full time cooks and at other locations

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
  • 1 year or more of previous cooking experience.
  • Work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Performing the duties of this position requires sustained walking and standing throughout the kitchen environment. The ability to sit, talk, hear, and climb stairs is essential. Candidates must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds independently and, with assistance, safely lift and move packages, food products, or pans weighing up to 50-60 pounds. Additionally, the position requires the ability to perform routine physical tasks associated with food preparation, cooking, and kitchen operations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions are exposed to communicable diseases and are required to function around behavioral concerns.
The majority of essential duties are performed indoors, in a industrial kitchen environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
RESPONSIBILITY OF OTHERS:
The employee has no direct responsibility/supervision of other staff.
VOA provides comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including:
  • Competitive Pay
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life & LTD Insurance
  • 403(b), & more!

Volunteers of America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

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