Get Involved

Volunteer Opportunities

Our programs exist to fight food insecurity and food waste at their source. We develop, cook, and serve healthy meals to members of our community in need, utilizing excess food supply to prevent waste. We also empower Portland kids to feed themselves and others by teaching them to cook simple and inexpensive yet nutritious and delicious foods. Often when we’re talking to the community and describing what we do at Feed The Mass, people immediately ask how they can help, and we get it!


The culinary world can be both fun and rewarding and
our daily schedule is even more meaningful because of the children, families, and unhoused communities we serve.


So why not join us? As a volunteer with Feed the Mass, you'll contribute to an important cause while gaining valuable kitchen experience. Plus, our team is so much fun to work with, and we have some remarkable chefs ready to share their decades of culinary expertise with you! We have lots of opportunities available for you to help, including newly available weekend shifts for our nine-to-five friends who want to invest back into their community during time off.

Join Our Team

Four people in aprons pose in front of a Community Booth, smiling and making gestures; one holds a raccoon puppet.

We invite you to subscribe to our newsletter to find out about any new opportunities that become available. At Feed the Mass, we are committed to positively impacting our community, and if you share that commitment, we hope to be able to work with you soon!

  • Kitchen Lead

    Department: FED Team

    Reports To: Operations Manager 

    Job Type: Full-Time


    Position Overview

    The Kitchen Lead is responsible for overseeing key areas of program execution, including training and staff development, meal production and menu planning, and logistics and delivery systems. This role ensures the smooth day-to-day operation of programs while supporting staff, volunteers, and organizational partners. The Lead serves as a primary point of contact within assigned focus areas and collaborates closely with other Leads to maintain efficient, high-quality program delivery. Responsibilities may shift as organizational needs evolve, and flexibility and teamwork are essential.


    Key Responsibilities

    Staff Training & Development


    Facilitate onboarding and ongoing training sessions to ensure alignment with organizational standards and procedures.


    Coordinate volunteer training and engagement for on-site production activities, supporting volunteer retention and participation.


    Program Coordination

    Support the implementation and coordination of key programs

    Collaborate with team members to plan staffing, scheduling, and continuous program improvements.


    Menu Planning & Production Oversight

    Partcipate in monthly menu planning and recipe development to ensure meals are balanced, practical, and scalable.

    Monitor kitchen production tracking and efficiency to maintain consistent quality and output.

    Identify opportunities to improve production processes and reduce waste.


    Procurement & Vendor Management

    Manage relationships with food vendors and suppliers.

    Ordering, procurement, and inventory tracking.

    Reconcile invoices and maintain accurate procurement documentation.


    Logistics & Delivery Operations

    Oversee daily delivery operations, order fulfillment, and snack distribution.

    Review and verify delivery documentation and invoices.


    Supply & Systems Management

    Manage supply ordering and inventory for operational materials.

    Track stock levels and ensure essential supplies are consistently available.

    Support the development and implementation of efficient operational and logistical systems.


    Shared Team Responsibilities

    Participate in monthly menu planning sessions.

    Provide day-to-day staff supervision and operational coverage as needed.

    Ensure timely receipt submission and financial accountability.

    Offer coaching and feedback to staff members to support performance and development.

    Collaborate on recipe development and program innovation.

    Work cross-functionally with other Leads to ensure alignment, communication, and teamwork across operations.

    Additional Information

    Leads operate in a collaborative structure where responsibilities may overlap or shift based on program needs. Team members are expected to support one another and contribute across functions to ensure organizational goals are met and programs run smoothly.


    Starting Wage: $27/hr 


    Benefits: 

    Employer-sponsored health insurance


    Paid time off (PTO)


    Wellness reimbursement program


    Professional development reimbursement


    Parking or TriMet transit stipend

Join Our Team

We invite you to subscribe to our newsletter to find out about any new opportunities that become available. At Feed the Mass, we are committed to positively impacting our community, and if you share that commitment, we hope to be able to work with you soon!

  • Kitchen Lead

    Department: FED Team

    Reports To: Operations Manager 

    Job Type: Full-Time


    Position Overview

    The Kitchen Lead is responsible for overseeing key areas of program execution, including training and staff development, meal production and menu planning, and logistics and delivery systems. This role ensures the smooth day-to-day operation of programs while supporting staff, volunteers, and organizational partners. The Lead serves as a primary point of contact within assigned focus areas and collaborates closely with other Leads to maintain efficient, high-quality program delivery. Responsibilities may shift as organizational needs evolve, and flexibility and teamwork are essential.


    Key Responsibilities

    Staff Training & Development


    Facilitate onboarding and ongoing training sessions to ensure alignment with organizational standards and procedures.


    Coordinate volunteer training and engagement for on-site production activities, supporting volunteer retention and participation.


    Program Coordination

    Support the implementation and coordination of key programs

    Collaborate with team members to plan staffing, scheduling, and continuous program improvements.


    Menu Planning & Production Oversight

    Partcipate in monthly menu planning and recipe development to ensure meals are balanced, practical, and scalable.

    Monitor kitchen production tracking and efficiency to maintain consistent quality and output.

    Identify opportunities to improve production processes and reduce waste.


    Procurement & Vendor Management

    Manage relationships with food vendors and suppliers.

    Ordering, procurement, and inventory tracking.

    Reconcile invoices and maintain accurate procurement documentation.


    Logistics & Delivery Operations

    Oversee daily delivery operations, order fulfillment, and snack distribution.

    Review and verify delivery documentation and invoices.


    Supply & Systems Management

    Manage supply ordering and inventory for operational materials.

    Track stock levels and ensure essential supplies are consistently available.

    Support the development and implementation of efficient operational and logistical systems.


    Shared Team Responsibilities

    Participate in monthly menu planning sessions.

    Provide day-to-day staff supervision and operational coverage as needed.

    Ensure timely receipt submission and financial accountability.

    Offer coaching and feedback to staff members to support performance and development.

    Collaborate on recipe development and program innovation.

    Work cross-functionally with other Leads to ensure alignment, communication, and teamwork across operations.

    Additional Information

    Leads operate in a collaborative structure where responsibilities may overlap or shift based on program needs. Team members are expected to support one another and contribute across functions to ensure organizational goals are met and programs run smoothly.


    Starting Wage: $27/hr 


    Benefits: 

    Employer-sponsored health insurance


    Paid time off (PTO)


    Wellness reimbursement program


    Professional development reimbursement


    Parking or TriMet transit stipend

     

    Apply Now!
Four people in aprons pose in front of a Community Booth, smiling and making gestures; one holds a raccoon puppet.

Join Our Board

Four men in red shirts filming in a warehouse. One man gestures at a whiteboard.

Feed the Mass has a mission to empower people through food, and our board serves as the guiding force behind this complex work.

As the organization's highest governing body, our board members have a vital role to play in fulfilling their fiduciary duties and providing high-level guidance to our team. Reach out today if you're interested in serving on our Board, and we'll be in touch!

Contact Us
Four men in red shirts filming in a warehouse. One man gestures at a whiteboard.

Join Our Board

Feed the Mass has a mission to empower people through food, and our board serves as the guiding force behind this complex work.

As the organization's highest governing body, our board members have a vital role to play in fulfilling their fiduciary duties and providing high-level guidance to our team. Reach out today if you're interested in serving on our Board, and we'll be in touch!

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where are you located?

    Exterior view of a building, "STIR" sign above the entrance. Gray car and truck parked on the street.

    Our location is at 80 NW Davis St., Portland, OR 97209, on the southeast side of 1st and Davis.

  • When Can I Volunteer?

    A person pours orange liquid from a carton into a plastic cup at a food prep station.

    You can volunteer any day of the week, from 9:30 am-12:30 pm or from 1 pm-4 pm, including our new weekend shifts. We would love to have you!

    Check Availability
  • How Many People Can Volunteer?

    Group of people in a row smiling, focused on drawing on their phones. White table, colorful markers, modern setting.

    We're currently accepting a maximum of four people per shift. However, if you have a larger group, feel free to contact us using the Contact tab. We'll try our best to accommodate you!

  • Is There an Age Limit?

    Woman and boy adding ingredients to a blender in a kitchen, both smiling.

    We welcome volunteers of all ages! However, we require a minimum age of 14 for all volunteers. Additionally, all minors must be accompanied by an adult.

  • How Will I be Helping?

    People wearing aprons and gloves pack food items in a warehouse.

    On a typical day of volunteering, you'll help with prepping, packaging, cooking, and listening to amazing music while having a great time. It's a fun and rewarding experience!

Team Building

Unite with colleagues and professionals in a dynamic team-building experience. Under the guidance of our skilled chefs, you'll collaborate, communicate, and conquer culinary challenges as you work side by side, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. 

Meals for Impact

We'll create hearty, fresh, and delicious meals for underserved communities around us, including the unhoused. You'll see the immediate impact of your efforts as these meals are packed and distributed to shelters and camps across the city, bringing kindness and sustenance to those who need it most.

Lasting Connections

Engage with Feed the Mass representatives to gain insights into our impactful work. Learn about our mission and discover how your volunteer time and contributions directly support our efforts to alleviate food insecurity in Portland.

News

The Nourish Building at the corner of NW 1st Ave and Couch St
By Maya Ward-Fineman February 4, 2026
PORTLAND, OR – Feed the Mass will host an open house for the grand opening of the Nourish Building on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at 34 NW 1st Avenue, Portland, OR 97209. The event invites community members, nonprofit partners, small businesses, and local media to experience a new community-centered space designed to bring people together in Old Town Chinatown — a neighborhood with deep history, resilience, and untapped potential. The Nourish Building is a place built for connection: a welcoming hub where neighbors can meet, collaborate, and build relationships that strengthen the fabric of the community. The open house will include tours, opportunities to meet the team, and space to learn how residents, organizations, and supporters can plug into what’s being built in the heart of Old Town. “Old Town deserves investment that’s rooted in community — space where people can gather with dignity, share ideas, and build something lasting together,” said Jacobsen Valentine, Executive Director of Feed the Mass. “This open house is more than a ribbon-cutting. It’s an invitation to collaborate — to show up for our neighborhood, build trust, and create a future where everyone has access to resources, community, and opportunity.” Event Details What: Grand Opening of the Nourish Building When: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Where: 34 NW 1st Avenue, Portland, OR 97209 Who: Open to the public, community partners, and local media Why: To celebrate a new space committed to bringing the community together in Old Town Why This Matters for Old Town Old Town is one of Portland’s most historic neighborhoods — and also one of its most underserved. Feed the Mass is opening the Nourish Building to help shift the story from isolation to connection, from scarcity to collaboration. By creating a shared space where relationships can grow, the Nourish Building aims to support community-driven solutions that reflect the needs and strengths of the people who live and work nearby. ### About Feed the Mass: Feed the Mass is a community-based organization committed to reducing hunger and strengthening communities through culturally responsive meals, partnerships, and programming that connect people to resources, skills, and support.
Cooks preparing takeout meals in a restaurant kitchen. Several containers of food are in the foreground.
April 24, 2025
PORTLAND, OR – Feed the Mass is proud to announce the official launch of FED Rx , a groundbreaking initiative designed to address Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) by providing culturally specific meals, housing support, and wellness services to those facing food insecurity and housing instability in Portland, with a special focus on nourishing 10,000 mothers over the next five years. In partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Coordinated Care Organizations across the region, FEDRx delivers culturally-specific, medically tailored meals to eligible participants, particularly mothers during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and chronic illness, while connecting them with critical housing support and wellness resources. "As we expand our mission, FED Rx represents a pivotal step in our commitment to holistic community support,” said Jacob Valentine, Founder of Feed the Mass. “We’re not just serving meals—we’re addressing the systemic challenges that impact food security, housing stability, and overall health.” To qualify for FEDRx housing and food services, individuals must be enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and meet at least one vulnerability criterion: risk of homelessness or housing instability; managing a complex health condition; pregnancy or caring for a child under 6; transitioning from incarceration, foster care, or a care facility; or having a household income at or below 30% of the area median income. With the ambitious vision of supporting 10,000 mothers in the next five years, Feed the Mass will share the program at community events throughout May, including The Community Table Showcase on May 9 at The Redd on Salmon. For more information about FED Rx, eligibility criteria, and services, text: FEDRX to 26989 or visit: www.feedthemass.org/fedrx ### About Feed the Mass: Founded in 2016, Feed the Mass is a Portland-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering, educating, and serving the community through food. With a focus on fighting food insecurity and promoting nutritional education, Feed the Mass has provided over 500,000 meals to those in need. Through initiatives like FED Rx and events like the Community Table Showcase, Feed the Mass continues to uplift and unite the Portland community through the power of food. For media inquiries, please contact info@feedthemass.com or call 971-350-8291.
Three smiling people pose for a selfie in a school cafeteria.
September 12, 2024
What a fantastic way to kick off the school year! Last Friday, Feed the Mass teamed up with HOLLA School to host an amazing Back-to-School Barbecue for students and families, and we couldn’t be more grateful for this partnership. The afternoon was filled with summer classics—juicy hotdogs, burgers fresh off the grill, watermelon, and all the sides you can imagine. It was a joy to see the HOLLA community come together, enjoying a meal that was not just delicious, but meaningful. By the end of the day, smiles were everywhere, and we were reminded once again why this work matters. We’re incredibly proud to partner with HOLLA School to make sure students are nourished and ready to take on the school year. Access to healthy food is something every child deserves, and events like this help ensure no one goes without. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, to the amazing team at HOLLA School for hosting, and to our Feed the Mass crew for putting on such a great event. Here’s to more shared meals and stronger communities! 🍔🍉 Stay tuned for more events and ways to get involved. Together, we’re fighting food insecurity and building connections through every meal we serve.
Man in black shirt and hat, speaking in a kitchen. Text identifies him as Feed the Mass Executive Director.
July 26, 2024
Feed The Mass is takes the local news spotlight once again!
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