Community chef volunteer roles
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Collection & Delivery Driver - Rescuing surplus food from supermarkets, shops and other growers/suppliers for local people in food insecuity. Up to 2 - 5 or more hours per week.
Potential to share this with one other volunteer
Sustenance is a local charity based in Hastings and St Leonards. We run a weekly food club and community kitchen at Concordia Hall, offering fresh meals and grocery bags/boxes to individuals and families navigating food insecurity - largely using surplus food collected from local supermarkets and businesses.
This role isn’t just about getting behind the wheel, it’s about being part of a movement. You’ll be helping us rescue food, build relationships, and make sure it gets to the people who need it most. You’ll be collecting from familiar spots around Hastings, St Leonards, Bexhill and occasionally further into East Sussex & Kent. . You’ll be the friendly face of Sustenance on the road, connecting with food partners and charities along the way.
What You’ll Be Doing:
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Accept food collection alerts via Foodiverse (app) and Neighbourly (email)
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Pick up our electric van from our St Leonards base and check it’s roadworthy
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Follow the collection/delivery route and schedule
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Represent Sustenance with a smile - be courteous, safe, and professional
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Drive responsibly and legally, with care for volunteers who may join you
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Treat the food like it’s your own, handle it with care and respect
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Fill out any paperwork or checks needed to keep everything safe and smooth
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On return, unload and store food properly in fridges/freezers
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Update the records of the produce we have in stock, so our chefs can prepare for our guests.
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Clean the van and report any issues so it’s ready for the next driver
What We’re Looking For:
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Age 30+ ( for insurance purposes)
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Held a full UK/EU/EEA driving licence for at least 3 years, with no more than 3 penalty points
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Eligible to work in the UK
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Willing to complete a Level 2 Food Safety Qualification (we’ll help!)
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Friendly, reliable, and happy to work with others
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Committed to upholding our values of equality, diversity, and inclusion
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Able to pick up boxes up to 10kg
This is a brilliant way to get involved, meet great people, and make a real difference. Interested? Let’s chat! We’d love to welcome you to the team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small, friendly charity based in Southwark, providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.
We’re currently looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Cook and Eat Volunteer to support our weekly Thursday sessions (10.30-13.30), held at St Faith’s Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations).
About The Role
This role is ideal for someone who loves to get stuck in. You’ll support our tutor in delivering inclusive and fun cooking sessions for a small group of adults with learning disabilities. Every class will be an opportunity to create tasty snacks and dishes in a dynamic and supportive environment. With your help, we aim to provide our learners with a sense of pride and satisfaction at having made something delicious, whilst learning invaluable skills along the way.
As a Cook and Eat Volunteer at Stepping Stones, you will:
- Assist the tutor in running weekly cooking classes
- Encourage and support learners
- Help with setting up and closing down the kitchen workspace
- Maintain high standards of hygiene
- Offer 1:1 or group support where needed to help participants engage
- Help build a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express themselves
What You’ll Gain
Volunteering with us is a chance to:
- Contribute to a creative and meaningful community project
- Build relationships with and support learners to learn new skills and grow in confidence
- Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a supportive setting
- Develop skills in teamwork, adaptability, communication, and creative problem-solving
- Have a place in a welcoming and friendly team of tutors, staff and volunteers
- Receive appropriate training and guidance from an experienced team
What We’re Looking For
You don’t need to be a chef to volunteer in this role! At Stepping Stones we value:
- Good communication and a warm, encouraging approach
- Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to get involved
- A non-judgemental and inclusive mindset
- Reliability and commitment
- Flexibility and adaptability
Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:
- Attend an in-person session with the Stepping Stones team and learners
- Provide two references
- Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
- Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we ask that you commit to volunteering with us for one year.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and respond to the following questions (these will come up when you hit 'Apply Now')
- Why would you like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
- What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you'll bring to this role?
Registered Charity
1 - 5
Empowering adults with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling, connected lives through opportunities shaped by their ideas and aspirations.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.