Overview:

Join the Sandy Parks and Recreation team in supporting our Senior Center by helping provide nutritious congregate meals to older adults in our community. Volunteers play a vital role in creating a welcoming, clean, and respectful environment where seniors can gather and enjoy a warm meal. This opportunity is ideal for individuals or volunteer groups who are reliable, detail-oriented, and passionate about serving others.

Key Responsibilities:

Dining Room Setup:

  • Clean and sanitize tables and dining surfaces

  • Set tables with utensils, napkins, and beverages

  • Prepare dish carts with necessary items for meal service

Meal Preparation & Service:

  • Assist with heating and transferring pre-cooked meals to steam trays

  • Ensure all meals are served at the proper and safe temperature

  • Serve meals courteously and efficiently to clients

  • Identify and assist with any special dietary meal needs (as directed by staff)

  • Maintain food service areas, equipment, and tools in a clean and sanitary condition in accordance with County, State, and Federal health standards

Clean-Up Duties:

  • Clear and sanitize dining tables post-meal

  • Load, operate, and unload dishwashers

  • Sweep floors and return all kitchen and dining materials to storage

  • Properly use chemicals in accordance with safety regulations

Team & Safety Protocols:

  • Support staff in creating a friendly and supportive environment—focus on people first, not just food

  • Report all accidents, incidents, or equipment issues promptly to management

  • Follow all food safety and sanitation protocols

  • Maintain positive relationships with staff, volunteers, and guests

Qualifications & Requirements:

  • Must be at least 16 years old (or accompanied by a responsible adult if younger)

  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and perform physical tasks including bending, twisting, standing for extended periods, and climbing stairs

  • Possess or be willing to obtain a valid Food Handler’s Card (support available)

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with patience and courtesy

  • Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions

Preferred Skills & Attributes:

  • Experience working with older adults or people with disabilities is helpful but not required

  • Familiarity with basic kitchen procedures and food handling is helpful but not required

  • Passion for service and a desire to support community wellness

  • Willingness to adapt to changing needs in a dynamic meal service environment

Time Commitment:

  • Shifts available on Tuesdays (typically mid-morning to early afternoon-10:30am-1:30pm)

  • Volunteers may choose to help on a regular weekly basis or as part of a group one Tuesday a month.

Benefits of Volunteering:

  • Directly support senior health and well-being

  • Gain experience in food service, teamwork, and hospitality

  • Make meaningful connections with community members

  • Learn and grow in a supportive, hands-on environment

What's your email address?

Your information


Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
First name *
Last name *
What is your phone number? *
What is your date of birth? *
What is your experience with Meals on Wheels and Congregate Dining? *
Congregate Dining will be from 10:30am-1:30pm every Tuesday. How frequently would you be interested in volunteering per month? *
Why are you interested in volunteering? *
Do you have any special needs that require reasonable accommodations? *
Do you have any health or physical restrictions? *
Are there other club/organization/group members you are volunteering with? *
Please list an emergency contact - name, relationship, & phone number. *
What is your experience interacting with older adults? *

Waiver

The City of Sandy does not provide insurance for participants in the City's recreational programs. It is the sole responsibility of the participant (or parent/guardian) to provide for this need.

(Parent/Guardian) In case of emergency, accident or illness, I give permission for my child to be treated by a professional medical person and admitted to a hospital. I agree to be the party responsible for all medical expenses and ambulance fees which are incurred on my child's behalf. By signing this form, I release, hold harmless and discharge the City of Sandy from any liability or injury I or my child/charge may suffer while engaged in the City's recreational programs.

Photographs and videos of participants in Recreation Department activities may be used without compensation by the City of Sandy for publicity purposes. The participant/parent/guardian, by signing this form, acknowledges that he/she has read and understands the above statement and release.

Prior to the start of volunteering, each participant will go through a city background check and acquire a food handlers certificate. For more information contact John Wallace at (503) 668 5569.



39250 Pioneer Blvd.
Sandy, OR 97055
Sandy Mountain Icon
503-668-5533