A-SPAN -- 2708 South Nelson Street, Arlington, Virginia -- 703-820-HELP (4357)

HOMELESS BAGGED MEAL PROGRAM

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION VOLUNTEERS

SCHEDULE: 

Before 4:30pm on the day you are serving  

Buy groceries to make 60 bagged meals (minimum 1 volunteer) 

4:30pm – 5:30pm:  Your kitchen

Prepare bagged meals (minimum 4 volunteers) 

6:00pm:  Oakland Mini-Park, Wilson Blvd.

Deliver bagged meals to Serving Volunteers (minimum 1 volunteer) 

BUYING GROCERIES

Buying the supplies for making 60 bagged meals can be done by one or more Preparation Volunteers at any time prior to 4:30pm on the day that you are preparing the meals.  A general shopping list includes the following:

• 240 slices of bread
• enough deli meat, tuna, or peanut butter and jelly for 120 sandwiches (8 pounds of deli meat plus one jar each of peanut butter and jelly is generally sufficient)
• 60 fruit items
• 60 sweet snacks (no chocolate, please)
• 60 savory snacks
• 60 individual beverages OR 4-6 1-gallon beverages
• 120 sandwich bags
• 60 brown paper bags
• food service gloves for all Preparation Volunteers

YOUR KITCHEN, 4:30pm – 5:30pm

At least 4 volunteers prepare the bagged meals together in a community or private kitchen.  Groups often choose to meet in the kitchen of their religious organization, community group, or school; however, the meals may be prepared in any suitable kitchen including that of a private home.  Please note that until March 2007, Arlington County regulations required that meals be prepared in a certified kitchen under the supervision of a licensed Food Safety Manager.  This regulation has been changed; a certified kitchen and Food Safety Manager are no longer required.

OAKLAND MINI-PARK, 6:00pm

Preparation Volunteers (at least one person in one vehicle) transport the prepared bagged meals to the Oakland Mini-Park at 6:00pm.  The Oakland Mini-Park is located on Wilson Blvd. between Oakland St. and N. Nelson St., and bordered on the side parallel to Wilson Blvd. by 9^th St.  The 9^th St. side is where meals will be served.  Here you will meet the Serving Volunteers and give them the meals so that they can hand out the bags along with hot food provided by the DC Central Kitchen.   Your bagged meals will be part of a complete dinner for 60 people tonight.  Thank you!