How to Serve Well When Volunteering at a Soup Kitchen for the Homeless

Many churches and community organizations, as well as individuals, support homeless shelters and soup kitchens through fundraising and volunteering to serve on an occasional or regular basis.

Maybe you have thought about serving at a soup kitchen, but have questions or are a little nervous about it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Contact the coordinator.
   
   Your church or other organization will have a volunteer coordinator you will contact to learn dates and times you will be able to serve, and get information on how to sign up. I recommend signing up with a spouse or friend – all new experiences are a little less intimidating when you bring your own wingman.

2. Prepare yourself.
   
   You will want to wear long pants (no skirts that fall above the ankle, no shorts or capris) and a sleeved shirt (no tank tops) as well as closed toed shoes. These requirements are common to many soup kitchens and they are to meet health department requirements in the preparation and handling of food.
   
   Additionally, use a little sensitivity – a homeless shelter or soup kitchen is not the place to flaunt your diamond earrings or silk pantsuits. Besides, you’re just asking for a vat of tomato sauce to turn on you if you pull that stunt!

3. Arrive on time.
   
   Be prompt, even if that isn’t your usual style. People are waiting to be fed!
   
   You will probably need to sign in, and the regular volunteers or paid staff will start handing out assignments. It goes without saying that all the tasks are necessary and vital, so dive in wherever they assign you.

4. Be grateful.
   
   Remember that “but for the grace of God” you might be in the same situation as the people you’re serving. There is no better time to “do unto others” than when you serve, so… smile! Be courteous, patient, and kind.
   
   Sometimes, the other volunteers or paid staff might show disdain for those they are serving. This is a mistake you don’t want to duplicate. It is a privilege to serve.