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Volunteer Cooking Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Follows cleaning schedule of equipment and areas as assigned, to include walls, floors and cooking ... Voluntary insurance (additional life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness, short term ...

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 ...

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 ...

Cook (7673)

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$14.55 - $15.50/hr

... and economical cooking methods. * Ensures that enough food is prepared based on the number of ... Assists in monitoring work of volunteers working in the kitchen. Physical Requirements and Working ...

Cook (7673)

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$14.55 - $15.50/hr

... and economical cooking methods. * Ensures that enough food is prepared based on the number of ... Assists in monitoring work of volunteers working in the kitchen. Physical Requirements and Working ...

Cook (7673)

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$14.55 - $15.50/hr

... and economical cooking methods. * Ensures that enough food is prepared based on the number of ... Assists in monitoring work of volunteers working in the kitchen. Physical Requirements and Working ...

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Follows cleaning schedule of equipment and areas as assigned, to include walls, floors and cooking ... Voluntary insurance (additional life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness, short term ...

Cook

Wytheville, VA · On-site

$15/hr

... cooking, line cook, commercial kitchen, fast food, dietary cook, healthcare foodservice) Physical ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

Restaurant Cook

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Medical, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Benefits, FSA and HSA Account options available to Full-Time associates * Restaurant Discounts/Perks Program Line Cook accurately and efficiently cooks meats, fish ...

Medical, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Benefits, FSA and HSA Account options available to Full-Time associates * Restaurant Discounts/Perks Program Line Cook accurately and efficiently cooks meats, fish ...

Cook

Wytheville, VA · On-site

$15/hr

... cooking, line cook, commercial kitchen, fast food, dietary cook, healthcare foodservice) Physical ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

Cook

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... cooking, line cook, commercial kitchen, fast food, dietary cook, healthcare foodservice) Physical ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

Cook

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... cooking, line cook, commercial kitchen, fast food, dietary cook, healthcare foodservice) Physical ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

Line Cook

Dulles, VA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Voluntary accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Critical Illness & Cancer Insurance - Employee paid ... Excellent knife skills and proficiency in various cooking methods * Strong attention to detail and ...

Line Cook

Dulles, VA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Voluntary accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Critical Illness & Cancer Insurance - Employee paid ... Excellent knife skills and proficiency in various cooking methods * Strong attention to detail and ...

Cook

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

... cooking, line cook, commercial kitchen, fast food, dietary cook, healthcare foodservice) Physical ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

Cook

Richmond, VA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

... cooking, line cook, commercial kitchen, fast food, dietary cook, healthcare foodservice) Physical ... Voluntary Life * Safety Incentive Program Important to Know * Applicants must pass a background ...

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Showing results 1-20

Volunteer Cooking information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$18

$33

How much do volunteer cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer cooking in Virginia is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $20.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is volunteer cooking?

Volunteer Cooking positions involve preparing, cooking, and sometimes serving meals for individuals or groups in need, such as at shelters, food banks, community centers, or charity events. Volunteers may help with meal planning, food prep, cooking, and cleanup, all under the guidance of an organization or lead chef. These roles are ideal for people who enjoy cooking and want to make a positive impact in their community by helping to address food insecurity or support special events.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer cook?

To thrive as a Volunteer Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a food handler’s certificate. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and health regulations is typically required. Strong teamwork, flexibility, and effective communication help you work efficiently and adapt to varied kitchen environments. These skills ensure safe, high-quality meal preparation and a positive experience for both volunteers and those they serve.

What are some common challenges faced by volunteer cooks, and how can they be overcome?

Volunteer cooks often work in fast-paced environments with limited resources and diverse teams. One common challenge is adapting to varying kitchen setups and ingredient availability, which requires flexibility and creativity in meal planning. Communication and teamwork are also essential, as volunteer cooks frequently collaborate with other volunteers and coordinators to ensure meals are prepared safely and efficiently. Building strong relationships and remaining adaptable are key to overcoming these challenges and contributing positively to the team.

What is the difference between Volunteer Cooking vs Volunteer Food Service Worker?

AspectVolunteer CookingVolunteer Food Service Worker
CredentialsNone typically required, basic cooking skillsNone typically required, customer service skills beneficial
Work EnvironmentCommunity kitchens, shelters, food banksFood service settings like soup kitchens, cafeterias
Job FocusPreparing meals, cookingServing food, assisting guests
Industry UsageFood preparation and community supportFood service and hospitality

Volunteer Cooking primarily involves preparing and cooking meals in community settings, focusing on food preparation. Volunteer Food Service Worker typically includes serving food and assisting guests in food service environments. Both roles support community needs but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

What jobs can you do if you like volunteering cooking?

Volunteer cooking roles include positions such as kitchen assistant, food prep volunteer, or meal delivery helper at community kitchens, shelters, or food banks. These roles typically require basic cooking or food handling skills and may involve working with a team to prepare and distribute meals to those in need.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Cooking job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,463 per year, or $19 per hour.

Volunteer Hospitality Coordinator - Southwest Virginia

Jonesville, VA • On-site

Appalachia Service Project Inc
51 - 200 employees

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

About the Position The Southwest Virginia Volunteer Hospitality Coordinator manages the relationships, hospitality, and community partnerships that support ASP. This position is responsible for creating a welcoming, mission-centered volunteer experience while building and sustaining the community partnerships, facilities, and local infrastructure necessary for successful seasonal programs. Through intentional volunteer care, spiritual programming, and community engagement, this role helps ensure that every volunteer, staff member, and community partner experience ASP’s ministry with excellence and hospitality. 
Serving as a member of the summer planning team, the SWVA Volunteer Hospitality Coordinator oversees volunteer hospitality, county and facility preparation, community partnerships, public relations, and seasonal program support. This is a full-time exempt position based in Jonesville, VA, reporting to the Southwest Virginia Regional Director.
  
Job Responsibilities Volunteer Hospitality
  • Maintain accurate volunteer records to support planning, communication, and program reporting.
  • Deliver meaningful hospitality and spiritual programming that aligns volunteers with ASP's mission and creates transformative service experiences.
  • Communicate with Site Supervisors to ensure seamless on-site volunteer participation
  • Coordinate volunteer logistics including housing, meals, transportation, and site coordination
  • Coordinate with the Spiritual Programs department to deliver spiritual programming to volunteers across all programs
Seasonal Program County Set-Up
  • Secure facility lease agreements to house volunteers & staff in each Virginia county as designated by the VP of Seasonal Programs
  • Ensure housing facilities meet housing standards including obtaining necessary permits for housing volunteers, communicating additional equipment needs to the county set up team and fleet systems technician, etc.
  • Hire and orient cooks to prepare meals during the summer program
  • Compile county information for use by the Volunteer Management Department in communicating county and center expectations to volunteers
  • Update documents (county profiles, center information, etc.) annually to be given to the summer staff prior to the start of staff training
  • Evaluating county operations annually and identifying opportunities for improvement
Community Networking & Public Relations
  • Network within communities to establish and maintain contacts
  • Host or attend meetings with community contacts or other regional organizations (VOAD, FAHE, etc) to promote ASP’s home repair ministry and participate in larger regional coordination of services
  • Identify and maintain referral sources for home repair applications 
  • Oversee the distribution of marketing and informational materials for distribution within counties
  • Provide information to local media outlets in coordination with Marketing & Communications
  • Maintain contacts on the Community Advisory Council, onboarding new members if/as needed, engaging with them between quarterly meetings, and accomplishing goals and strategies as set out by the CAC
  • Refer any local grant connections to the grant writing team, following up with field contacts as needed
Summer Program Management
  • Visit summer centers biweekly throughout the summer
  • Monitor summer program quality, safety, budget, ministry impact, and operational performance of summer staff
  • Process staff and volunteer experience through examination of staff evaluations; plan for adjustments and improvements for future summers
  • Utilize evaluations and feedback forms to improve the staff and volunteer experience for future summers
Summer Staff Training
  • Participate in summer staff training and teach sessions as needed
  • May act as summer management liaison for an assigned department
Administrative 
  • Seek out applicable training opportunities to enhance skill and knowledge
  • Meet assigned deadlines for all tasks and projects
  • Adhere to overall departmental budget guidelines
  • Prepare for and participate in ongoing evaluation process
  • Maintain thorough electronic and hard-copy documentation
  • Other duties as assigned
 
Qualifications Required: 
  • Willingness to affirm and work within ASP’s Christian mission and values
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with comfort speaking publicly
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the ability to quickly learn new software and technology platforms
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues
  • Experience in volunteer management, event coordination or hospitality, community outreach, or nonprofit program coordination
Desired: 
  • Associate degree or higher in nonprofit management, social work, business administration, or a related field 
  • Experience in a home repair or nonprofit construction organization
  • Experience in service delivery in service area (Southwest Virginia)
  • Experience in volunteer-based and/or seasonal programming
  • Experience with facility leasing
  • Experience with regional coalition/network involvement
Other Requirements: 
  • Valid driver’s license and driving record that is acceptable to ASP’s insurer
  • Regional travel is expected; some overnights may be necessary
  • This role may require occasional weekend or holiday work
  • Satisfactory results on a background check
Salary and BenefitsASP provides a market-based salary and generous employee benefits program including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered for employee and family
  • Life insurance, retirement plan, medical spending plan
  • Generous holiday, personal, and sick time
  • Phone and laptop provided for work use
  • ASP vehicle available for frequent local and regional business travel