A Volunteer Experience Like No Other
Local volunteers are the backbone of our disaster deployments. They are the force multipliers who help our team go from serving hundreds to serving thousands of hot meals daily. From professional chefs to home cooks to mechanics to an extra set of hands, there’s a place for you to get involved at Mercy Chefs.
Our Volunteer Statistics
15,000 +
Volunteers since our founding in 2006.
80%
Or more of our volunteers are non-chefs.
48 States
Make up our volunteer team.
75 Miles
Is the distance most of our volunteers travel to serve.
Our volunteer network spans 48 states (and counting!) When disaster strikes, we send out email alerts letting this network know there’s an opportunity to serve near them.
Sometimes volunteers will cross state lines to serve devastated communities, but it’s important to note that Mercy Chefs currently does not have access to overnight lodging for out-of-town volunteers. If you’re able to find a place to stay, you can join us as a volunteer!
Where Do I Sign Up?
What To Expect On Site
Before you arrive, please be sure to wear comfortable, closed toed shoes and have long hair pulled back (preferably under a hat). Bring a water bottle and anything else you may need for your service time.
When you arrive for your shift, look for our Mercy Chefs Check In Station to get connected with our on-site Volunteer Coordinator. Here, you’ll check in and receive one of our Mercy Chefs Volunteer Go-Bags. Inside you’ll find a Mercy Chefs Volunteer t-shirt, in your preferred size, for you to change into. You can store any of your extra items (phone, water bottle, etc.) inside this drawstring bag for the duration of your shift.
If you’re serving with a group, please ensure that each member of your team signs up for a shift in our volunteer system. This ensures that our available slots fill accurately.
Please be aware that the minimum volunteer age on site is 10 years old.
If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to email our team at volunteer@mercychefs.com.