SciEats, our sliding-scale eatery: affordable meals with special discounts for all

VOLUNTEER WITH SCICOOK

Your Time Can Make a Difference.

“SciCook volunteers bring people together through food, education, and community service. Whether you have a few hours or want to get involved regularly, there is a place for you in our community.”

HOLIDAY VOLUNTEERING

Thanksgiving Week Turkey Meals

Help SciCook pick up, prepare, cook, and serve Thanksgiving turkey meals for families and neighbors downtown. Sign up for one shift or several. Each shift has 8 spots; once a shift is full, you can join its waiting list.

Choose one or more days *

Friday, November 20

Turkey pickup from San Diego Food Bank

Sunday, November 22

Prepare turkeys for cooking

Monday, November 23

Turkey prep & cooking

Tuesday, November 24

Turkey prep & cooking

Wednesday, November 25

Turkey prep & cooking

Thursday, November 26 · Thanksgiving

Turkey cooking & serving to families and downtown

12,000+
free meals
Since June 2026
180+
community volunteers

OUR VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY

People Powering the Mission

SciCook is powered by people who give their time, energy, and skills to support nutritious meals, education, and community programs.

SciCook volunteers in aprons chopping vegetables together at a long prep table in a commercial kitchen

Meal Preparation Volunteers

Kitchen and packaging support

“Every chopped vegetable and packed meal creates a practical moment of care for our community.”
People lining up along a city sidewalk for a SciCook volunteer meal service

Community Meal Volunteers

Food distribution and serving

“Showing up to serve meals is a simple way to help neighbors feel supported and welcome.”
Participants in chef hats cooking together in a professional kitchen during SciCook's 6-week nutrition and cooking class series

Education and Outreach Volunteers

Nutrition education and community support

“Sharing practical cooking and nutrition skills helps families build confidence around the table.”

REGULAR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Express Interest in Volunteering

Tell us where you would like to help and we’ll follow up about current volunteer opportunities.

Where would you like to help? *

Select one or more areas.

Availability *

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER SHIFTS

Sign up through HandsOn San Diego

Food Equitable Community Meal Preparation & Service

Register for a shift on HandsOn San Diego, or share your interests through our volunteer interest form.

SIGN UP ON HANDSON SAN DIEGO (opens in a new tab)

Before your first shift

Volunteer Waiver & Release

Every volunteer must sign this waiver before taking part in any SciCook activity. It is one form for all ages: if you are 18 or older, sign it yourself. If you are under 18, fill it out together with your parent or legal guardian, who signs on your behalf.

Trouble seeing the form? Open the waiver in a new tab →