Pack Fruit for Seniors at Optage Meals!

Optage Meals is looking for helpers in our commissary kitchen—no prior kitchen experience needed!

Optage Meals in a nonprofit organization under Presbyterian Homes and Services that produces and delivers homemade meals to seniors and disabled adults in the Twin Cities. The heart of our mission is to help older adults stay in their homes longer and provide low-cost meals to individuals who have barriers to purchasing and preparing their own food. Our volunteers play a key role in enabling our kitchen to produce meals for over 3,000 customers on a regular basis!

Fruit packers help package pieces of fresh fruit that are delivered alongside frozen meals. This is a great opportunity for groups or individuals interested in simple, repetitive tasks that still make a huge difference for those we serve! While volunteers are more than welcome to take breaks and sit down during their shift, the easiest way to pack the fruit is by standing on your feet. We are occasionally able to put the fruit boxes on shelves in order to make them more accessible for wheelchair users.

All people volunteering in the kitchen must wear a hairnet and plastic gloves (if touching the fresh fruit) in order to adhere to Minnesota Department of Health regulations. The volunteer coordinator is happy to assist with holding bags open or tying them if you or anyone in your group needs additional assistance. Depending on the needs of the kitchen each day, fruit packers may also help package fruit cups or applesauce cups!

BENEFITS:

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors by supporting meal preparation
• Build connections with our amazing kitchen staff
• Gain practical kitchen experience