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Join Us at the HEART Kitchen!

Ann's Heart runs on volunteer energy! With a small staff and more than 500 active volunteers, the HEART Kitchen depends on incredible community members like to make our mission possible. From day one in 2020, volunteers have been essential to everything we do. They prepare, package, and deliver meals that nourish our community through programs like the Pay It Forward Café, Summer Meal Program, and Community Meals Program.

Whether you have a few hours a month or can commit to a regular schedule, your time and talents help us serve between 300 and 500 community members per meal. Every person deserves a seat at the table, and with your help, we can pull up a chair for anyone who walks through our doors. Ready to make a difference? Get involved today and help us strengthen our community one plate at a time!




Age Policy: HEART Kitchen Volunteer Shifts

Ann's Heart welcomes families who want to volunteer together! To ensure a safe environment for all participants, the following age requirements apply to HEART Kitchen volunteer shifts:

Under 12: Not permitted

Ages 12-14: May participate in designated meal packing shifts only, with a parent or guardian present at all times. These shifts are labeled accordingly.

Ages 15-17: Volunteers ages 15–17 may participate in limited activities only when the shift description explicitly indicates that youth volunteers are welcome. A signed parental or guardian permission form must be submitted prior to the shift.

Ages 18 and up: No restrictions apply




Interested in bringing a group?

Gather your team and make a difference! Our group volunteer shifts are perfect for corporate teams, faith-based groups, student organizations, social clubs, and community groups who want to make a direct impact by preparing delicious meals for neighbors served through our Community Meal Program!  Group Volunteer Shifts are typically booked 4-6 weeks ahead of time and may be scheduled by emailing us at: volunteer@annsheart.org







HEART Kitchen: Community Meals
Community Meal Prep


Join our HEART Kitchen team to help prepare and cook meals shared with neighbors through our partner organizations: PACS (Phoenixville Area Community Services), Better Days Ahead, and Crescendo Phoenixville.

You'll work alongside Ann's Heart staff and fellow volunteers on tasks like following recipes, washing and prepping ingredients, cooking safely, and portioning and labeling food for serving or storage. Every shift wraps up with light kitchen clean-up: sanitizing surfaces, washing dishes, sweeping, and taking out trash and recycling.

Shifts may end a little early or run slightly late depending on the day, so we appreciate your flexibility!


WHAT TO EXPECT


    Tasks may include


  • Following recipes (which may change on short notice)

  • Washing, chopping, and preparing ingredients

  • Cooking food safely according to instructions

  • Portioning, labeling, and dating food for serving or storage

  • Working as a team and assisting others as needed

  • End-of-shift cleaning: sanitizing surfaces, washing dishes, sweeping, and taking out trash/recycling




DRESS CODE



  • Wear comfortable, closed-toe, slip-resistant shoes

  • Wear clean, comfortable clothing (Please do NOT wear tank tops, shorts, skirts, or loose clothing)

  • Remove jewelry and watches (simple wedding bands are okay)

  • Please avoid earbuds and electronics while handling food




KITCHEN HYGIENE



  • Hair must be covered. Feel bring a hat or bandana, or use a provided hair net

  • Beard nets will be provided for facial hair

  • Gloves are required while handling food (provided)

  • If you’re feeling sick, please stay home so we can keep everyone safe and healthy!

  • Skip strong fragrances that might trigger allergies or other sensitivities


The Ann’s Heart campus is mask-friendly, meaning masks are always welcome, but not currently required. Ann’s Heart may shift to a required masking policy if local health conditions indicate a sustained or rapidly increasing risk of illness transmission.




SAFETY



  • This shift includes hands-on kitchen and cleaning tasks that may involve knives, hot ovens, open flames, heavy pots, and cleaning chemicals. Volunteers are expected to remain mindful of their surroundings, use good judgment, and follow all safety guidelines.

  • Tell the Kitchen Manager if you’re uncomfortable with any task, we’ll do our best to find a role that works for you!

  • Remember to practice caution with hot surfaces and sharp tools; safety equipment is provided.

  • Let us know about allergies, special needs, or physical limitations so we can plan safe tasks for you




INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY


The safety of our volunteers, staff, and community members is our top priority. In the event of inclement weather, including but not limited to severe winter storms, flooding, or other hazardous conditions, Ann's Heart reserves the right to close the HEART Kitchen and cancel scheduled volunteer shifts.


When a closure is necessary, volunteers will be notified as soon as possible via email and/or SMS text (when possible). We appreciate your flexibility and understanding, and we will do our best to communicate any changes in a timely manner.


If you are unsure whether a shift is still scheduled during periods of inclement weather, please check your email or reach out to us directly before heading out.




PARKING & LOCATION INFORMATION



The HEART Kitchen is located at 35 Hall Street. When you arrive at the Ann's Heart Campus, look for the canopy on the old school building, directly off Hall Street. The Kitchen is underneath - just head down the stairs and enter through the double doors.  We recommend volunteers find parking on Church Street or in District Lot Number 9 (Church St. Lot). 


Full list of parking details: https://annsheart.org/parking




QUESTIONS?


Please email us! We're happy to help! heartkitchen@annsheart.org.
There are no shifts available at this time.