The Lord’s Kitchen Volunteer Manual

Welcome

We are glad you are here and that you have chosen to share your time and commitment to help others by volunteering at The Lord’s Kitchen. Our efforts to alleviate and end hunger are only possible because of the generous commitment of people like you. We hope you will find your time rewarding. Your time and your energy are deeply appreciated by The Lord’s Kitchen and those we serve. The Lord’s Kitchen was founded in 1988 as an outreach of Evangel World Prayer Center. This multicultural church birthed and nurtured The Lord’s Kitchen from its start on Christmas Day 1988. Located at 2732 South 5th Street, Louisville, Kentucky in the shadows of historic Churchill Downs, The Lord’s Kitchen has faithfully fed the needy, 365 days a year, 7 days a week, for 24 years. The Lord’s Kitchen’s most recent addition to this outreach is our feeding site at The City of Hope, which opened in 2010. It is located at 18th Street and Standard Avenue, one of Louisville’s most economically distressed neighborhoods. It quickly gained community support and energized the neighborhood. In addition to the two feeding sites, The Lord’s Kitchen blesses the local community each year with a Thanksgiving Food Box Give-Away, and a Christmas Food Box Give-Away. Last year over 600 boxes of food were given to people in need at each event. Another annual outreach is Buy A Coat/Warm-A-Heart event. This event is held each December and distributes hundreds of coats to needy children in the area. If you have any questions that are not answered in this manual, feel free to call our staff at 502964-3304 ext. 1250. Thank you for volunteering!

To Contact Us: Administrative Offices • 5400 Minors Lane • Louisville, KY 40219 Kitchen Locations: 5th & M St. • Louisville, KY 40208 & 1811 Standard Ave. • Louisville,KY40210 Phone: (502) 634-1665. (502) 413-0198 Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.thelordskitchen.com

Introduction On behalf of everyone here at The Lord’s Kitchen, we would like to say thank you for your time and dedication to our mission. Here at The Kitchen, we wish to make your visit(s) with us the most memorable and rewarding for you and our patrons. Please take the time to read all of the rules and requirements concerning our goals ‘to change lives one meal at a time.’ Our volunteers play a key role in the mission we do without whom this organization would not be possible. Younger Volunteers: Please note, there are age restrictions on some activities, volunteers must be 13 years and older to volunteer during meal times. • • • • • •

Young volunteers can serve in the dining hall Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian Groups with youth must have adequate adult supervision. Youth 16 years and older that are unaccompanied by an adult must have a signed consent form in order to volunteer. This form is found in our manual. Younger children can be involved by assisting with off-site volunteer projects. Youth 18 years and older can work in the kitchen.

Community Service: Please note, if you are required to track your hours and report your volunteer time to another organization, please notify the staff before you begin volunteering. It is requested that you both sign in on our volunteer time sheet, and track your time on your required form and have a staff person sign off on your form after each shift. The Lord’s Kitchen asks you to be responsible for your paperwork and reporting. We provide the opportunity for Community Service work for 18 years and older only. Under no circumstance will we accept a minor. Volunteering at The Lord’s Kitchen: We ask that you come prepared to serve in whatever capacity is needed for the day. Because we are a donation based organization your services will vary each time you come. You may be asked to prepare or serve food, wash dishes, clean the facility, shelve food in the pantry, answer incoming phone calls, and even work outside.

Preparing For Your Shift • • • • • • • •

We welcome your help. Please sign up in advance to volunteer. You may complete a Volunteer form online at www.thelordskitchen.com Please be on time. If you are unable to be here for your scheduled volunteer time, please call the staff and let them know. Every volunteer is required to wear an ID tag that will allow the staff to identify volunteers on each shift. Please wear long pants and sneakers. No open-toed shoes are allowed. Dress modestly, no short shorts or skirts, please. Wear a minimum amount of jewelry. We supply gloves, aprons, and hairnets. Wear a hat if you prefer and long hair should be tied back. People of many ages and backgrounds volunteer, so please select clothing that is appropriate for the setting. Please do not bring valuables with you. Lock up your purse and valuables in your car.

When You Arrive • • • • •

Check in with the Floor Manager or staff person. Sign in the volunteer log book. Secure your coat and belongings in the designated area. Wash your hands thoroughly. Get your assignment from the Floor manager or staff person.

Safe Food Handling Tips You should familiarize yourself with safe food handling before you arrive for your shift. There are a number of web sites with helpful information. Here are some quick tips: • • • •

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Wash your hands upon arrival and before handling food. Wear gloves and hairnet/hat when preparing or serving food. Only prepare food on clean and sanitized cutting boards and surfaces. Avoid cross-contamination. Do not clean or prepare raw vegetables/fruit in the same sink/cutting board or counter as used for raw meat products. Thoroughly clean and sanitize all surfaces where raw meat products are prepared immediately after use. Ensure all foods are cooked and held at the proper temperatures. Thoroughly clean and sanitize all equipment and counters and sinks after use.

Kitchen Protocols Volunteers are welcome to eat during their shift, but please wait until the meal service is over before having your plate. No eating in the kitchen. No exceptions. For safety, no more than the necessary volunteers in the kitchen at any time. The head cook or kitchen manager will determine the number needed. Be sure to ask the kitchen manager or staff person about portion sizes and seconds before service begins.

The Lord’s Kitchen is not a take-out feeding site. No food is to be given to patrons as take out. We do not provide any wrapping for the food. All meals are to be consumed on site in the dining room. No exceptions. When putting food away, be sure it is properly labeled and stored. Please stay until the end of the volunteer shift to ensure everything is cleaned up, put away and ready for the next shift. There are a variety of tasks and jobs that need to be completed at each mealtime. You may be asked to prepare food in the kitchen, serve patrons at tables or work in the dish room or serve in housekeeping responsibilities. Each job and task is as important as the others. So, please be a team player and be flexible. Sometimes there are more people than expected who show up to help. If this is the case and you need something to do, ask the floor manager or staff person. We often have special projects, cleaning and stocking of shelves that need to be done. Remember, “Many hands make light work”. Remember we are a Smoke Free Facility, no smoking in the building. DO NOT smoke in either the entrance or exit of the Kitchen. Smoking permitted in the SMOKING AREA ONLY

Please respect the privacy of our patrons. Information you see and hear about patrons. should be kept confidential. Do not share your personal information with patrons, or give the patrons any money or gifts. We have several give-a-ways during the year that we raise funds for.

If there are any conflicts or concerns that arise during your volunteer shift, please direct them to the floor manager or staff person. Always consult with the floor manager or a staff person if you have questions. Your safety is important. Please do not perform any tasks if you are physically not able to or have been restricted by your doctor. Example: heaving lifting, climbing stairs, etc. Please notify the Volunteer Coordinator if this is the case. Please report any injuries sustained while volunteering at immediately to a staff person

Diversity Policy The Lord’s Kitchen is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment that is free from any form of discrimination or harassment for its patrons, volunteers, staff and constituents. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Anyone exhibiting offensive behavior and violating this policy may be subject to disciplinary action and removal from the premises. If you believe you’ve witnessed or been the target of any inappropriate behavior (theft, lewdness, excessive profanity, aggression, etc.) report it to the Volunteer Coordinator immediately. All complaints will be investigated confidentially and promptly. Sexual/Racial/Age/Religious/Gender/Sexual Orientation/ Ethnic/ Disability/Bullying and other harassment like conduct, whether physical or verbal, – by staff or volunteers is prohibited. Such conduct can include repeated offensive sexual flirtations, advances, propositions, continual or repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentaries about an individual’s appearance, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual, and the display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures.

Press Policy It is the goal of The Lord’s Kitchen to provide a safe, confidential environment for people to both receive services and offer their assistance. In order to do so, the following guidelines are in place to protect the confidentiality of patrons, volunteers, and staff. Photographing, videotaping or audiotaping of clients, volunteers, and staff may be conducted on premises by press or other public relations media. Approval for filming, photographing or audiotaping patrons, volunteers, and staff members must be secured from the Executive Director. Photographing and taping may only be done with the expressed permission of persons being taped or photographed. General filming or photographing of patrons in the dining room or kitchen is only allowed when used to promote the work of the Kitchen. Any photos or film of patrons or volunteers that will be used for publicity purposes by the agency or press contact must secure written approval by the Executive Director.

Roles and Responsibilities Executive Director, The Lord’s Kitchen Inc., is the team leader, the ultimate authority for the kitchen mission, food acquisition, policies and procedures, staffing, finance, and community relations. It is critical that the director clearly communicates the vision with all other parties, has strong written and verbal communication skills, is adept is crisis resolution, and keeps the success of The Lord’s Kitchen in mind as he/she executes his/her duties.

Floor Manager, The floor manager is responsible for the flow of patrons, management of tables, and will greet Kitchen patrons as they enter. The floor manager is the central staff role that sets the tone for the dining room ensuring that meals are served efficiently and courteously, that the area maintains the highest state of cleanliness, and pulls from the available pool of volunteers to best execute a highly professional meal service. It is critical that the floor manager possess good people skills with a mix of empathy and savvy. Volunteer Coordinator, One of the most critical positions in the success of The Kitchen is the Volunteer Coordinator. This person is responsible to ensure the optimum number of volunteers is on hand to prepare and serve the meal, seat and manage the guests, and maintain a high level of cleanliness both during and after meal distribution. This position requires someone who is detail oriented and has good administration skills. Kitchen Manager, This is obviously a critical need to the sustained success of any kitchen. Although The Kitchen menu will be kept fairly simple, it is vital that culinary skills and kitchen management experience exist. Additionally, any person filling this position will have completed all Serve Safe or equivalent food safety / food handling courses and be certified to fill this role in a public restaurant.

Volunteers are without a doubt, a critical front line position. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of this ministry however for the safety of our volunteers and our patrons; there are several guidelines that must be followed: Under 13 years of age • Cannot be in kitchen or serve meals to the clients • Must be with a parent or guardian • May not be “seated” in dining hall for guardian to serve elsewhere 13 years – 15 years old: • Can serve and clean up in the dining hall • Not allowed in kitchen • Must be with a parent or guardian • 16 years – 17 years old: • Can help prepare the meal, serve, clean, put stock away, and reorganize the shelves. • All Volunteers must obey the Dress Code if not you would not be able to volunteer.

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Volunteers must comply with all safety and hygiene guidelines. Please be advised that if you are not feeling well that you are not obligated to come in. Others in The Kitchen will be glad that you will not expose them to your illness. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to let him/her know you would not be able to come for your scheduled shift. If during your volunteer time you do however begin to feel bad, you are obligated to inform the key staff. DO NOT STAY IF YOU ARE SICK. Please respect all staff, volunteers, and guests. NO EXCEPTIONS Volunteers will be asked to put away cell phone except for emergency situations during the meal preparation, service, and cleanup. If there are any conflicts during your time at The Kitchen please direct the issue to the floor manager or staff person. The staff is trained to deal with these kinds of situations.

Do not leave without telling the volunteer coordinator or staff person Please do your very best to volunteer from beginning to end of food distribution and cleanup. Do not take items that do not belong to you. During the meal time, please note that meals are for the patrons. At closing we will check food availability based on remaining items Do not run or horse around in the kitchen or dining hall. Remember safety first! Respect the privacy of our patrons. Do not repeat any patron information you hear. All kitchen staff are responsible to the on shift kitchen manager We are a smoke free facility; therefore if you are a smoker you must go outside of the building to smoke. SMOKING PERMITTED IN THE SMOKING AREA ONLY! DO NOT throw cigarette butts in the parking lot. Volunteers must adhere to the Volunteer Manual.

Kitchen Volunteer Opportunities • • • • • • • • • • •

Table and facility preparation Meal service (order taking & delivery to kitchen staff) Meal service (retrieval from kitchen to customer) Kitchen Assistant (primary aid and assistant cook) Kitchen Aid (runner for primary and assistant cook) Drink Aid Table clearing Table setting Custodial (primarily for during food distribution as all hands will assist once food distribution is complete. Bathroom facilities must be cleaned daily **NOTE. The Lord’s Kitchen (5th & M Street location) opens for breakfast service to the public the following morning so all volunteers will be asked to stay until the facility is returned to a condition suitable for business.

Volunteer Registration Process To volunteer at The Lord’s Kitchen, we ask each individual to visit wwwthelordskitchen.com and click the volunteer now link. Select the appropriate meal service date you wish to assist with, and provide the required information as it is presented to you online.

You may also sign up to volunteer at either Kitchen location and speak with a staff person. Volunteers must complete a short orientation and present all information to the Volunteer Coordinator before beginning.

Preparing For Your Shift •

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Please be on time. If you are unable to be here for your scheduled volunteer time, please call the Volunteer Coordinator in enough time that he/she can work on getting a replacement for you. Wear comfortable (non-slippery) shoes and clothes. No open toed shoes. Bring a hat if you do not want to wear a hairnet. We supply gloves, aprons, and hairnets. Please do not bring valuables with you as The Lord’s Kitchen will not be held liable if your items are lost or stolen.

When You Arrive • Check in with the floor manager or staff person. • Sign in the volunteer logbook. • Secure your coat and belongings. • Wash your hands thoroughly. Get your assignment from the Floor Manager/Kitchen Manager.

Dining Room Preparation and General Conduct • • • • • • • • • • •

It is important that all volunteers arrive on time as much work is required prior to opening the doors to serve the public. Plates and bowls, trays will come from the kitchen. As a new table is seated, the “Drink Aid” will approach and pour the beverage. As families finish their meal, the table will be cleared, cleaned, and “reset” to its original condition prior to a new family being seated. There are usually no second helpings and no special orders. Patrons are not allowed in the kitchen, office or pantry area at any time. If someone is disruptive during the meal, please bring it to the attention of the floor manager or staff. Please, no radio, ear buds, or cell phone while serving. Please do not give guests money or other “gifts”. Please do not give out your home address, email or telephone number to guests. Any questions or concerns please bring them to the attention of the floor manager or staff person.

Clean-up • • • •

Put food in proper containers, label, date, and store. Clear and wipe tables and chairs with warm water and bleach. Clean all cooking and preparation surfaces, sink and equipment. Take garbage and recyclables to proper disposal area.

Dress Code •

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Wear comfortable, conservative and respectable clothing: Jeans, nice T-shirt, etc. Staff Positions are requested to wear collared shirts. NO Tank tops, tube tops or, shirts that reveal excess cleavage. All clothing should be clean, neat, and professional in appearance. Please wear long pants, no shorts. All pants will be worn correctly, pulled up around the waist. No loose clothing.



Do not wear inappropriate clothing (negative logos, slang, or profanity). If not appropriately dressed, any director, floor manager or kitchen manager, at his/her discretion may ask the volunteer to leave the shift.

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NO OPEN-TOED SHOES. Wear non-slippery shoes. For kitchen staff, hairnets, gloves, and aprons must be worn at all times (we supply). Long hair must be tied back.

Safe Food Handling Volunteer Training Kitchen / Cooking Staff • •

Volunteers help with cooking, serving and clean up at all meals. Safe food handling helps us insure our guests receive the best. The following information will help you prepare for your volunteer shift.

How Do I Prepare To Volunteer? • • • • •

Remove fake nails Remove all jewelry Wear closed-toed, non-slip shoes Wear comfortable clothing (comply with dress code) Pull hair back Check for personal cleanliness

What Will Be Provided? • • •

Aprons to wear Gloves to use Hairnets to wear ( or you may wear a hat)

If you are part of the kitchen staff, please check in with the floor manager then immediately report to the kitchen to assist in food prep

Hygiene and Sanitation Procedures Proper Hand Washing • • • • • • •

Use designated hand-washing sink ONLY Wash hands with warm running water Apply enough soap to build lather Scrub between fingers, on back of hands and under nails Wash hands for 20 seconds Rinse and dry with paper towel Use paper towel to turn off tap

When Do I Wash My Hands? • • • • •

When arriving to volunteer • Before putting on new gloves Before working with food • After handling garbage After sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose • after handling dirty equipment, dishes or utensils. After touching hair, face (eyes, nose, mouth), body • After touching raw meat, poultry or fish After using the restroom • Anytime you change tasks

Proper Use of Gloves • • • •

Gloves are never used in place of hand washing Wash and dry hands before putting on gloves Cover cuts and sores with a clean bandage before putting on gloves Gloves are for Single Use Only!

When Do I Change Gloves? • • •

When they are soiled or torn When starting a new task Every 4 Hours (when working on the same task)

Proper Kitchen Behavior • • • • • • • •

No gum chewing No eating in the kitchen No taste testing No smoking Use gloves when serving food Cover mouth when coughing or sneezing (change gloves if necessary) Do not touch food without gloves on Wear hat or hairnet and apron

Avoid Cross Contamination The transfer of micro-organisms from one surface or food to another. Cross contamination can cause people to be sick Cross contamination occurs when… • Raw contaminated ingredients are added to food that receives no further cooking • Raw food touches or drips fluids onto ready-to-eat food • A food handler touches raw food and then touches ready-to-eat food • Surfaces and equipment are not properly cleaned and sanitized before touching ready-to-eat food • Cleaning with contaminated wash rags.

Examples of Violations • •

Cutting raw chicken on a cutting board and then cutting vegetables on the same unclean and un -sanitized cutting board Not cleaning the multi-use sink after rinsing raw chicken or other raw foods

Food Danger Zone • • • • • •

Do not let frozen food thaw at room temperature Holding hot foods at 140º F or higher Holding cold foods at 40º F or lower Cool cooked foods from 140° – 70°F within 2 hours 70° – 41°F within 4 hours

End of Shift Cleanup Requirements End of Shift Cleanup Requirements “A Clean Kitchen = Safe Kitchen” • • • • • • •

Keep all kitchen surfaces clean. Sanitize surfaces as necessary during preparation and at the end of the meal. (See the Kitchen Coordinator/Cook for instructions) Sweep and mop floors at the end of the meal. Properly wrap and label all food with date and description before putting away. Remove all trash from location Clean all bathrooms and floors Departure will ONLY be determined by the kitchen coordinator/cook

Weather Closings During bad weather, volunteers are not forced to come in to serve. At no time should individuals put themselves at risk brought on by dangerous weather conditions or slippery/icy roads. An announcement will be placed on our website if The Lord’s Kitchen will be closed. If you do not feel safe or feel uncomfortable with the conditions, please leave a message with the Volunteer Coordinator or Kitchen Manager.

Conclusion Thank you for joining our team in the important work of feeding the hungry. It is important that all volunteers adhere to this Volunteer Manual and verbal instructions that may be issued from time to time that are not yet a part of this document. As a volunteer, you are truly making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Your contributions will be invaluable. God bless you for your gift of volunteering. Thank you for Volunteering!

Minor Release and Waiver Form to Volunteer I hereby give permission for my son/daughter ________________________________________ (name) who is _______ (age) years old ___________________________ (date)

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volunteer

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In case of an emergency, I authorize the person in charge to seek qualified medical aid for any injury sustained by my child. I understand that all costs incurred for medical expenses are my responsibility. Also, I understand that my child is expected to act in an appropriate manner and if my child does not behave appropriately I may be required to pick him/her up at the site. Once this document is signed, I understand that The Lord’s Kitchen, Board of Directors, and staff are not liable or responsible for any personal injury, loss of property, negligent, willful or intentional act. Additionally, I acknowledge that my son/daughter’s participation is entirely voluntary and understand that my son or daughter must be subject to the rules, procedures, and regulations of this organization. Furthermore, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above statements and that I am of legal age to bind myself to this release and waiver.

______________________________________________________________________________ Name of parent /guardian (print) ______________________________________________________________________________ Name of parent/guardian (signature) Date

______________________________________________________________________________ Emergency Contact Phone

To Contact Us: Administrative Offices • 5400 Minors Lane • Louisville, KY 40219 Kitchen Locations: 5th & M St. • Louisville, KY 40208 & 1809 Standard Ave. • Louisville, KY 40210 Phone: (502) 634-1665 Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.thelordskitchen.com

Emergency Medical Contact Release Form for Minors Volunteer’s Name:______________________________________ Birthdate: _____________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________________ St: ________Zip _______________ Emergency Information Father’s Name __________________________ Mother’s Name _________________________ Home Phone ___________________________ Home Phone ___________________________ Cell Phone _______________________________ In case of an emergency, if a parent/guardian cannot be reached, please contact the following: Name ________________________________ Name _________________________________ Home Phone ___________________________ Home Phone ___________________________ Cell Phone ____________________________ Cell Phone _____________________________ Work Phone ___________________________ Work Phone ___________________________ Medical Concerns: Allergies: ______________________________________________________________________________ Other Medical Conditions:

Physician __________________________________Work phone # _______________________ Medical/Hospital Insurance Company _______________________ Phone __________________ _________________ Policy Holder’s Name __________________________________________ Policy # _________________

This information that has been given above will not be given out to anyone that is not a staff person of The Lord’s Kitchen. Also, this information will only be used in case there is an emergency to the volunteer’s name stated above. Please have a parent or guardian sign the bottom of this form. Thank you.

Volunteer Kitchen Hours

To Contact Us: Administrative Offices • 5400 Minors Lane • Louisville, KY 40219 Kitchen Locations: 5th & M St. • Louisville, KY 40208 & 1809 Standard Ave. • Louisville, KY 40210 Phone: (502) 964-3304 Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.thelordskitchen.com

M Street Lunch Dinner City of Hope Sunday In case of bad weather Please be advised that if there is bad weather volunteers and not forced to come in to volunteer, but if you still would like to come in please do. We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, good weather or bad, but if you do not feel comfortable to come in please leave a message with the Donations and Volunteer Coordinator.

Volunteer Log Date ________________________ Floor Manager ____________________________ Volunteer Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

Group or Organization

Time In

Time Out

Total Hours

Mailing List Form If you would like to be on our mailing list for updated events and volunteer opportunities please fill out the following form and return it to the Volunteer Coordinator at: Administrative Offices • 5400 Minors Lane • Louisville, KY 40219 Kitchen Locations: 5th & M St. • Louisville, KY 40208 & 1809 Standard Ave. • Louisville, KY 40210 Phone: (502) 964-3304 ext1250 Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.thelordskitchen.com Please fill out as much as you can: Group Name: _______________________________________________________________ Coordinator for the group: _____________________________________________________ Individual Volunteer name: ____________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________ State: __________________ Zip: ____________ Home Phone: ____________________ Work Phone: _____________________________ Cell Phone: ______________________________________________________________ Email Address: ___________________________________________________________ Skill / Interests check all that apply ❑ cooking ❑ serving ❑ professional chef ❑ floor manager ❑ cleaning ❑ clerical work ❑ basic computer skills ❑ custodial ❑ advocacy ❑ general maintenance/repairs ❑ other: _________________________________________________________________