Become a Volunteer!
Are you a passionate and talented person who wants to make a difference with your time? Are you willing to be inclusive, compassionate and reliable? Our volunteers are staff. You are the life-blood of Teen Feed. Nightly Advocates serve as mentors and community ambassadors for our team. The first step to becoming a volunteer at Teen Feed is our Volunteer Orientation, dates below.
Advocate, Outreach, and Kitchen Lead volunteer positions require in-person shadow training shifts using safe COVID protocols.
For current volunteer opportunities providing food and outreach support for our young people, please refer to Teen Feed Volunteer Opportunities – Current, Youth Volunteer Opportunities, Group Service Opportunities, or email Jordan Van Hoozer at volunteercoordinator@teenfeed.org
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Teen Feed Volunteer/Intern Orientation
Orientation Dates 2023:
LAST Wednesday of each month @5:30pm @ University Congregational Church.
*summer/holiday schedule may vary*
Wed 5/31/23 @5:30pm
Wed 6/28/23 @5:30pm
Wed 7/36/23 @5:30pm
Wed 8/30/23 @ 5:30pm
Wed 9/27/23 @5:30pm
Wed 10/25/23 @5:30pm
Nov 2023: Paused due to holidays
Dec 2023: Paused due to holidays
*Basic volunteer training is required for all Teen Feed volunteers (offered remotely). Guest-facing volunteers are asked to complete additional training modules (Advocates, Allies, Kitchen Lead, Outreach).
Current Volunteer Opportunities: *subject to available spots
- Advocate Volunteers (over 18)*
- In-Reach Volunteers (over 18)*
- Outreach Volunteers (over 18)*
- Kitchen Support/Dinner Volunteers (over 18 or over 15 with chaperone) *
- Kitchen Lead Volunteers (over 18)*
- Meal Team Volunteer Teams*
- Service learning students (University and Social Clubs) Special Projects Leads: Salesforce Admins, Graphic Artists, Data Entry Ambassadors, Google Metrics Geeks, fund Prospectors.
- Ally Volunteers (15-17 years old)*
(1) Advocate Volunteers (18+):
Advocate volunteers are responsible adults over 18 years of age, who provide consistency and relationship during the Teen Feed meal 6:00-8:45pm every day of the week. Advocate volunteers are present at tables building connections with youth, support coordination staff and community partners. They build resiliency with our youth and provide a “family” of care. Advocate volunteers receive training and shadow shifts. Advocates who identify as male, our friends of color and members of the LGBTQA+ communities are encouraged to apply.
Requirements:
2-2.5 hours, one day a week, one year commitment. Requirements include a completed Advocate Application and volunteer training (in-person + remote). Free additional training and resources are provided. For more information, please reach out to volunteercoordinator@teenfeed.org
(2) Backpack Outreach Volunteers (18+):
Join Teen Feed’s backpack outreach teams in meeting youth outside in streets, alleys, and parks in Seattle’s University District. Outreach teams distribute basic needs, nutritious snacks, and connections to area resources. Outreach volunteer opportunities are available during the day on weekdays and weekends. Those with skills in medical, social work and nursing encouraged to join, all are welcome. Training provided, must be 18+.
Requirements:
Two hours, one day a week for a minimum of six months of service – one year strongly preferred. Requirements include a completed Outreach Application and volunteer training (in-person + remote). Free additional training is provided. For more information, please reach out to volunteercoordinator@teenfeed.org
(3) Dinner Volunteer/Kitchen Support (15+):
Cook and package mobile meals in our kitchens for the Teen Feed dinner program. Come by yourself, mobilize your own teams, or bring your family members. Opportunities are available on an ongoing basis during the evening (start times vary: 5:00, 5:15, 6:00, or 6:30pm depending and go until 8:45pm) in the University District. No commitment, or experience necessary, training is provided both remotely + on-site.
*Minimum age of 15, all volunteers aged 15 – 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Kitchen teams are recommended to be 4-10 people (10 max on-site).
*If interested in being a Kitchen Support/Dinner Volunteer, please fill out a Kitchen Support Application and email volunteercoordinator@teenfeed.org to be added to the Kitchen Support Volunteer List and receive opportunities to signup on Teen Feed’s Signup Genius.
(4) Kitchen Lead Volunteer (18+)
Teen Feed is looking for a limited number of truly *superb*, responsible, and dedicated volunteers who are interested in taking on a leadership role within our kitchens. Kitchen leads direct other volunteers in packaging and cooking hot meals for the Teen Feed dinner program. Leads must be 18+, reliable, and willing to commit to one volunteer shift per week for one year.
Requirements:
3-4 hours per week, one day a week, for a minimum of 12 months of service. Requirements include a completed Kitchen Lead Application, volunteer training (in-person + remote), and WA State Food handlers permit. For more information, please reach out to volunteercoordinator@teenfeed.org or kitchen lead@teenfeed.org.
(5) Ambassadors. Interns. Volunteer Your Skills and Talents:
Special Talents, Volunteers and Interns, or Custom Projects:
Yes we can! From social media, to office work to joining the STOP Outreach backpack teams (civilians, doctors, nurses and case-workers), sharing vital trainings (financial planning, time management) if you have a special skill set to share that doesn’t fit any of these above descriptions we’re always looking for more creative ways for our neighbors and community to be involved.
Examples of Special Projects Ambassadors we are currently looking for: Social Media, Human Resources, Grant Prospecting and Research, Salesforce, Administrative Volunteer Leads.
Email the Teen Feed team at volunteercoordinator@teenfeed.org and let us know! You can start here with the Special Project Ambassador Application.
(6) Meal Team Volunteers:
Meal teams consist of 4-10 people (max 10 on-site) who provide and serve a hot, nutritious meals to youth at the Teen Meal Program. Meal Team Members provide food, prepare, and serve the meals, and clean the kitchen. Meal service is available in the University District (seven days a week). Teen Feed serves 25+ youth each night in the University District and packages 30 meals for our local neighbors at the ROOTS Young Adult Shelter. Meal cost averages range from $150 to $250. Corporate groups looking for team-building activities and social or civic groups make great meal teams!
Requirements:
Meal Team participation, on a one-time or recurring basis is subject to availability. Requirements include a completed Volunteer Training (Meal Team lead only), Meal Team Application, and a WA State Food handlers permit for Meal Team Leads. We suggest but don’t require for everyone on your team to have a food handlers permit, but the Lead and Co-lead need one. For more information, please reach out to volunteercoordinator@teenfeed.org
(7) Ally Volunteers (ages 15-17):
The Ally volunteer position is ideal for middle or high school students or any person who is 15-17 years of age who wants to provide assistance at a Teen Feed meal. The Ally volunteer assists with organization, set-up, and break-down of the basic needs closet, guest registration, or helps the food team with meal preparation, serving, and clean-up. Ally volunteers serve individually with guardian consent.
Requirements:
2-2.5 hours, one day a week. Minimum of 12 months of service. Requirements include a completed Ally application (signed by legal guardian), and volunteer training (in-person + remote). For more information, please reach out to volunteercoordinator@teenfeed.org