Volunteer Opportunities
Calling all CHEFS, COOKS & FOODIES! Cooking Matters (formerly Operation Frontline) is a food education program that has been serving families with limited incomes in Tompkins County since 2001. It is run by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County in partnership with Share Our Strength, a national anti-hunger organization based in Washington, DC.
Classes are offered to adults, teens or children in groups of 8-15 and take place in churches and community agencies. They meet once a week for 6 weeks and are organized and co-taught by the Nutrition Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Volunteer chef instructors lead hands-on cooking lessons and nutrition educators guide discussions about healthy eating, smart shopping and food safety. Operation Frontline and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County provide all class materials including recipes, handouts, cooking equipment and food.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Professional training or experience in the culinary industry
- Interest in working with low-income individuals of diverse backgrounds
- Comfort speaking in front of an audience
- Ability to travel to class locations
- Willingness to be trained in the Operation Frontline curricula
- Willingness to work as a team and follow program policies and procedures
Time commitment:
- Teaching class: 2-3 hours per week for 6 weeks
- Preparing for class: ½ hour per week
- Training: orientation, class observation and ongoing training as needed
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Make a difference in the lives of people at risk of hunger
- Gain teaching experience
- Meet a new and diverse group of people
- Do something new and have fun!
To learn more please contact:
Cooking Matters Regional Program Manager
Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County
