Volunteer


Volunteers are the heartbeat of La Soupe. Our mission simply doesn't move without them. From the precision of the prep kitchen to the front lines of food rescue and community education, their dedication turns surplus into sustenance. We are fueled by a powerful community of 900 volunteers who recently contributed over 16,000 hours of service to keep our neighbors fed.

Why Volunteer with Us?

  • Tangible Impact: See your efforts in action. Every shift you work directly nourishes neighbors in need and ensures that perfectly good food finds its way to a table instead of a landfill.

  • Meaningful Engagement: Join a passionate network of volunteers who share your drive to nourish Cincinnati. At La Soupe, you’re not just a pair of hands; you’re part of a dedicated team where shared purpose quickly turns strangers into friends.

  • Chef-Prepared Meals: Enjoy a complimentary lunch (~12:00pm) when volunteering.

  • Exclusive Perks: Get discounts on La Soupe swag and at the retail counter.

  • Concerted Rewards: Earn credits for free concert and entertainment tickets.

  • Senior Benefits: AmeriCorps RSVP members (55+) receive mileage reimbursement and liability insurance.

Volunteer Opportunities


INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERING

Whether you want to chop veggies, drive food runs, or teach classes, we have a spot for you.

Apply to Volunteer

GROUP VOLUNTEERING

Looking for a team-building experience for your office, church, or club?

Book a Group Shift


For all additional questions, please contact us.

Ready to get started? Learn more about the onboarding process HERE. For all additional questions, please contact us. 

General FAQs:

Can’t find the answer to your question? Contact us.

  • Because La Soupe is a working kitchen, walk-in shifts are not available. Sign-up is easy! Simply fill out an application, sign the waiver, and watch some short training videos. Once completed, you’ll sign up for open shifts at a time convenient for you.

  • At this time no one under 18 unsupervised is permitted in the kitchen. The minimum age for volunteers is 16.

  • We recommend wearing comfortable attire that you can work in. Your feet must be covered and your hair restrained.

    • YES: Pants or knee-length shorts, t-shirts, socks, closed-toe shoes, and a head covering such as a hat, scarf, or bandana.

    • NO: Sleeveless shirts, flowing sleeves, flip-flops/sandals, or dangling jewelry.

    La Soupe will provide hair and beard (required if longer than 1”) nets as needed, as well as aprons and gloves.

  • There is ample parking in Walnut Hills near our storefront.

    • Parking Lot: 954 E McMillan (across from La Soupe near ETC/Dancefix). You’ll need a parking pass, available at the front counter.

    • Street Parking: Metered and unmetered parking is available on the streets surrounding La Soupe. Public parking is monitored by the city, please be mindful to observe signage when parking on street.

  • You can complete service hours by claiming driving runs or signing up for an in-house shift.

Food Runner FAQs:

  • Each run is assigned a Rescue Size under run details. Use the information below for guidance:

    Run Size     Car Size              # of Black Crates

    Small           Sedan                  1–3

    Medium      SUV                     4–8

    Large          Van or Truck        8+

  • The time listed in Pickup Window is the time to arrive for your pickup from a grocer or to La Soupe for your delivery to an agency.

  • Log on to Food Rescue US and from your home page, click on “view open runs” from the top. Complete the information and click on “Post Details and Close Run” at the bottom of the screen.

  • If you can commit to a particular run each week, adopt it so that you don’t have to keep signing up for it. If you can’t make a particular run, modify your schedule to cancel that occurrence.

  • Log on to Food Rescue US and “un - claim” your run. If you have adopted the run, un - claim that occurrence. You must close all of your completed runs before you can modify your schedule.