Kitchen Assistant (Eating Together)
The Food Chain
Eating Together is a communal lunch held every Wednesday and Saturday at Positive East in Stepney Green. The service combats isolation amongst people living with HIV in London by bringing groups together for a hot meal and good conversation. Kitchen Assistants help the volunteer Lead Cook with all elements of food preparation for the lunch, dishing up and serving, and washing up and cleaning the kitchen at the end of the meal. Volunteers are asked to do 1 shift per month, Wed or Sat, 10am-3pm.
The Food Chain provides nutrition services to people living with HIV, including: essential groceries, communal eating sessions, cookery classes and nutritional advice. We aim to ensure that nobody living with HIV has their ability to get well and stay well adversely affected by a lack of access to appropriate food. All our services are provided with the help and support of around 150 volunteers. Eating Together is a communal lunch, held every Wednesday and Saturday, at Positive East in Stepney Green. The service combats isolation amongst people living with HIV in London, by bringing groups together for a hot, nutritionally-tailored meal and good conversation. It is also designed to improve participants’ mental wellbeing, energy levels, confidence and independence, by offering the opportunity to meet new people, share experiences and learn more about healthy eating and other relevant topics. What does this role involve? Kitchen Assistants help the volunteer Lead Cook with all elements of food preparation for the lunch, making sure it is ready to serve at 1pm. Each week a meat, fish and vegetarian option are prepared, along with a dessert. Tasks include: prepping, cooking, dishing up and serving, then washing up and cleaning the kitchen at the end of the meal. You’ll need to adhere to our clean-as-you-go-policy and all Health and Safety guidance. After a morning of slicing and dicing you can enjoy the fruits of your labour and sit down to eat with our service users. You don’t need to be a Master Chef but you do need to have a basic level of cooking knowledge, and be able to read and understand written recipes and instructions. This role would suit someone who enjoys cooking and is good at working as part of a team. You’ll also need a flexible attitude and an open mind. This role may be subject to adjustments as the service evolves. We ask for a commitment of one shift per month. Shift times are Wednesday and/or Saturday 10am to 3pm. This allows time for a briefing and set up before guests arrive, and clear up time after the meal. You can volunteer on either Wednesday or Saturday, or both, provided there are shifts available. Health and safety training provided. As we work with immune suppressed people, we do not allow volunteers to attend shifts if they are experiencing any symptoms of colds or stomach bugs etc, and we encourage service users to stay home if they are unwell.
Catering,General & Helping,Food Supply (i.e. Foodbanks, School meals)
Cleaning & Tidying, Cooking/Catering
An interest in food and cooking! Punctual. A team player. Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions. A willingness to muck in and do whatever needs doing. Organised and able to work in a systematic way. Available Wednesdays or Saturdays.
A supportive, friendly atmosphere, developing cookery skills, health and safety knowledge, communication skills. Opportunity to go on to gain a Level 2 qualification and become a Lead Cook.
We ask for a commitment of one shift (5 hours) per month. Shift times are Wednesday and/or Saturday, 10am to 3pm. You can help on either or both days.
E1 4AQ
Positive East, 159 Mile End Road, London
1 minute walk from Stepney Green Underground station
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