What Should I Bring When Volunteering at a Soup Kitchen?

What to Bring When Volunteering at a Soup Kitchen

1. Clothing & Personal Gear

• Comfortable, Modest Clothing: Expect spills, so avoid your best outfit.

• Closed-Toe, Non-Slip Shoes: Safety first—kitchens can have wet floors.

• Hair Restraint: Hat, hairnet, or tied-back hair to maintain hygiene.

• Apron (Optional): Many kitchens provide them, but having your own can be convenient.

2. Hygiene & Safety Essentials

• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your shift.

• Personal Gloves: Some volunteers prefer bringing their own food-safe gloves, even if the kitchen supplies them.

• Hand Sanitizer: For quick cleans between tasks.

3. Optional Helpful Extras

• Notebook & Pen: Jot down instructions, especially on your first shift.

• Donations: If permitted, bring shelf-stable food, hygiene products, or warm clothing for guests.

• Small Comfort Items: Hand warmers, bottled water, or wrapped snacks for those in need (only if approved by staff).

4. Mental & Emotional Readiness

• Positive Attitude: You’ll be working with people from all walks of life—patience and empathy matter.

• Team Spirit: Soup kitchens run on teamwork; be ready to take direction and help wherever needed.

• Respect for Rules: Follow food safety protocols and staff instructions.

5. Building Your Volunteer Portfolio

• Just like in political or nonprofit volunteering, keep a record of your hours and roles.

• Creating an Impact Profile (similar to what’s used in the CallHub community for campaign volunteers) helps you document your contributions.

• Nonprofits and advocacy groups often look for committed volunteers for other programs—having your history visible can make them reach out to you for future opportunities.