Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?

– You must wear long pants, a shirt with sleeves (no tank tops or sleeveless shirts) and shoes with closed toes.
– Please do not wear jewelry. Even small stud earrings can get loose and fall into food.
– In the kitchen, you’ll be wearing aprons, gloves, and hairnets (you can bring your own cap).
– You will receive safety instructions when you’re assigned to a task.

Where do I park?

– If space permits, you may park in the front.
– You may be directed to our overflow lot located behind the building.

How do I sign in?

– BEFORE you arrive, locate your QR code (square barcode) in your confirmation email.
– No QR code? You can sign the waiver sheet upon arrival at our Welcome Desk.
– You DO NOT need to scan your QR code AND sign the waiver sheet.
– There is NO need to SIGN OUT.

Where do I go after I sign in?

– Please obtain a volunteer sticker and sit in the Houston Texans Cafe.

Where can I put my personal belongings?

– The Houston Food Bank has lockers along our orange wall.
– Instructions for locking and unlocking are located above the lockers.
– If you forget your locker/code number, please visit our Welcome Desk.

Where can I eat?

– You may eat any snacks or lunches in the Houston Texans Cafe area.
– Healthy snacks and meals can be purchased at the Houston Texans Cafe.

Can I get proof of my volunteer time?

– Have your proof of participation sheet from your school/job etc. filled out.
– Drop off at the Welcome Desk BEFORE your shift.
– You may request an official embossed HFB Hours Letter* from our Welcome Desk after your shift.
– For hours verification questions or requests, please contact Denise Atkerson.

* If this is your only proof of volunteer hours, in order to verify those hours at a later date, the original letter may need to be assessed.

Can I take pictures?

– We recommend taking your large group photos either right before or at the conclusion of your visit.

What do volunteers do in the Keegan Kitchen?

Food preparation and packing
– Wash vegetables
– Cut, dice and chop vegetables
– Slice meat
– Package food for the freezer
– Occasionally assist the cooks in baking
– Count out milk cartons and snacks

Sanitizing
– Wash coolers and mobile warming units
– Clean work surfaces to keep the kitchen sanitary
– Wash dishes

Tray Line
– Scoop food into trays
– Run trays through a plastic sealing machine
– Inspect meals for quality and stack for transport