DC Central Kitchen, Inc.
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My high schoolers had to do service hours for school, and when I learned about DC Central Kitchen, I thought it would be a good opportunity for them to not only fulfill a service requirement, but also realize WHY doing service hours is important. During our entire visit to DC Central, my children and I spoke about the importance of donating our time and resources to those less fortunate than us. It was also a good lead in to speak about the effects of drugs, not getting a good education, and growing up disadvantaged.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Young people that were down on their luck, whom we had encountered during a job fair, mentioned that DC Central Kitchen brought food to a food bank or distribution center that they frequented.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
NONE, I think they are well organized and their mission is clear.
I was impressed with the kitchen's cleanliness and the efficiency of the production prep work of food in the vegetable area. Steve the chef was very well organized and professional in instructing the volunteers to their tasks. I enjoyed giving back to society. I was humbled by the experience and plan to go back!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
witnessing the culinary expertise of the staff in providing for the homeless, who shouldn't slip through the cracks.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
None.
DCCK is extremely well run. (I volunteer at DCCK pretty regularly during the evening shift.) Curtis Cunningham is an excellent addition to the supervisor team. Even if I arrive early, stations are set and things are ready to go. We get a lot done, too! DCCK staff are enthusiastic; they love what they do and it shows. And they are nice! I always feel my contribution is appreciated.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the joy it gives back to me in volunteering.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not. It's great as is.
DCCK is a rarity among food charities: a vertical operation that tackles the food insecurity problem at multiple levels, and manages to get a meaningful degree of reuse out of its donated resources. Its food doesn't just go straight to the needy; it first drives a culinary training program for putting people back on the path to self-sufficiency with skills in hand. Every 16 weeks, another class of 25 students begins their journey. Those same people staff a fully-qualified and competitive catering program that increases both public awareness and funding for the program.
I'm hard-pressed to think of another charity that is structured with such elegant efficiency. And it works.
From a volunteer standpoint, they operate several well-organized and well-equipped prep shifts per week, conveniently scheduled, in a bustling and social setting. It's among the most fun I've had as a volunteer, and the high demand for the limited number of openings suggests that others would agree.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
...everyday dining; they've placed successful program graduates in restaurants throughout the area.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
...expand it to Baltimore.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
Ensure that knives and peelers are sharp :)
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
They are most known for the work they do preparing nearly 5000 meals for the homeless every day.
But their most important mission is a job training program through their kitchen. They have graduated more than 80 classes (of mostly ex-cons), given them job skills, life skills, help interviewing, and job placement in local restaurants and hotel kitchens.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing the graduates of the program working in the kitchen, and at local restaurants.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
nothing - I can't imagine what they could be doing better.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Several friends and I (all high schoolers) wanted to give back to the community a little this summer by volunteering at DCCK. Our evening was well-organized, efficient, fun, and rewarding. While we chopped and peeled vegetables, it was wonderful to meet our truly fascinating fellow volunteers and get to know them.
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Eight members of our company volunteered to help prepare meals at the DC Central Kitchen. We were all very impressed by the dedication, organization, humility and overall energy by those that run this amazing organization. We have much respect for what they do and for their mission. We were so thrilled be able to contribute in some small way. 4,0000 healthy meals made, 365 days a year and distributed across the DC area = amazing.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
enthusiastic, upbeat, organized, professional, articulate, methodical, engaging
Ways to make it better...
I was able to join everyone in eating lunch after our work was done (I have specific food allergies so I could not partake)
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
this organization provides a much needed service to the dc community. their clients value it, and for good reason. I was lucky enough to sample the food and it was amazing!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
in hungry folks having a chance at better health and happiness.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
Ways to make it better...
I knew a way I could help make sure the food and ingredients were sourced from local and organic farms.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
This is (by far) the best organized volunteer experience you can have in DC. I have volunteered at several places in DC and DC Central Kitchen regularly makes we feel appreciated and really makes you work. Other places don't know what to do with you but DC Central Kitchen has a plan and work for everyone who walks in the door.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their amazing organization. They know how to use volunteers and appreciate your contributions.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very friendly and helpful. Some of the best NGO staff you'll find in DC.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
end hunger in DC.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
DCCK has a wonderful mission and it is a great place to Volunteer. The people are outstanding and show true appreciation for whatever you do.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
In the way they use the donated food and the quality of people that gratuate from the culinary school.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Seeing the quantity of healthy food that isw produced for the homeless.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
from all walks of life, with all different experiences, but all with the same goal of helping others
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
feed more homeless, educate more people, and reproduce it self in more places.
Ways to make it better...
No complaints
Should this review be counted for a specific campaign?
On own
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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