Food Support for the Homeless

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Help support a local NGO
  • Prepare, cook and serve food to locals who need affordable meals.
  • Assist in the preparation of food baskets, and working in the kitchen

Highlights

  • Help support a local NGO
  • Prepare, cook and serve food to locals who need affordable meals.
  • Assist in the preparation of food baskets, and working in the kitchen
  • Prepare the food and help with the serving of food and the washing up/ cleaning up of the kitchen


  • Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    You’ll be collecting surplus food from restaurants, preparing meals, and delivering them to families in Lisbon. Along the way, you’ll help keep things organized and clean

    In big cities like Lisbon, there’s been an increase in homelessness and families struggling to make ends meet. But together, we can make a difference! This project aims to tackle food waste and help feed those in need. It’s a win-win situation: good food doesn’t go to waste, hungry people get ...

    About the program

    In big cities like Lisbon, there’s been an increase in homelessness and families struggling to make ends meet. But together, we can make a difference! This project aims to tackle food waste and help feed those in need. It’s a win-win situation: good food doesn’t go to waste, hungry people get a meal, and everyone can pitch in to make a positive impact on our community

    Your role in this project is vital. You’ll be collecting surplus food from restaurants, preparing meals, and delivering them to families in Lisbon. Along the way, you’ll help keep things organized and clean to ensure everything runs smoothly.

    During your time with us, you’ll work at least four hours a day, with flexibility in shifts. Safety and hygiene are paramount, so always wear hairnets or caps, wash your hands thoroughly, and follow any schedule changes advised by our coordinator. Most importantly, show respect to everyone you encounter and actively participate in our activities.

    Tasks include:

    • Help and assist in food basket preparations.
    • Prepare Food Ingredients.
    • Organize and store the food donated.
    • Serve meals to local people.
    • Maintaining cooking equipment and storage clean.
    • Maintaining kitchen areas clean and sanitised.

    Remember, alcohol is not allowed during your time here, and always bring water to stay hydrated. Let’s make the most of this experience and create lasting memories while making a difference in the lives of others.

    Location

    Cascais, located along Portugal’s coastline, enjoys sandy beaches, clear waters, and the rugged cliffs offer a haven for beach enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The town’s vibrant atmosphere is characterised by its charming streets adorned with colourful buildings, bustling cafes, and unique shops, creating a delightful ambiance for visitors to immerse themselves in. For those intrigued by history, Cascais boasts notable landmarks such as the impressive Cascais Citadel and the esteemed Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, providing a glimpse into its storied past.

    Project Tasks

    •  Assist the local staff with extra hands at the food shop;
    • Lisbon families in need can continue to be provided with hygienic, healthy food
    • Good and Healthy food is not wasted 


    Typical day

    Monday

    Welcome to Portugal! Arrival orientation and introduction to Portuguese traditions and culture, house rules, and code of conduct

    Basic Portuguese Lesson

    Walking tour around local interest spots

    Dinner

    Tuesday to Friday

    Breakfast - 8am

    Depart for the placement

    Assist in the preparation of food ...

    Typical day

    Monday

    Welcome to Portugal! Arrival orientation and introduction to Portuguese traditions and culture, house rules, and code of conduct

    Basic Portuguese Lesson

    Walking tour around local interest spots

    Dinner

    Tuesday to Friday

    Breakfast - 8am

    Depart for the placement

    Assist in the preparation of food baskets, working in the kitchen, cleaning the area, and serving food. - 9-12pm

    Lunch

    Assist in the preparation of food baskets, working in the kitchen, cleaning the area, and serving food. - 1-2pm

    Possibility to collect or distribute food.

    Dinner

    ***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.*** 

    *Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience. 



    Free-time activities

    Places to see in Portugal:

    Explore the historic neighbourhoods of Lisbon, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, and visit iconic landmarks like São Jorge Castle and Belém Tower.

    Discover the enchanting beauty of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fairytale palaces and lush gardens.

    Wander ...

    Free-time activities

    Places to see in Portugal:

    Explore the historic neighbourhoods of Lisbon, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, and visit iconic landmarks like São Jorge Castle and Belém Tower.

    Discover the enchanting beauty of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fairytale palaces and lush gardens.

    Wander through the picturesque vineyards of the Douro Valley and enjoy wine tastings at local wineries.

    Relax on the golden beaches of the Algarve, known for their stunning cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

    Embark on a culinary journey through Portugal, sampling traditional dishes like bacalhau, pastéis de nata, and grilled sardines.

    In or Near Cascais:

    Visit the Cascais Citadel, a historic fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and explore its maritime museum.

    Take a leisurely stroll along the Cascais Promenade, lined with palm trees and offering breathtaking views of the coastline.

    Spend a day at Guincho Beach, known for its strong winds and excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

    Explore the charming village of Sintra, just a short drive from Cascais, and marvel at its palaces, gardens, and winding streets.

    Play a round of golf at one of Cascais’ world-class golf courses, such as Oitavos Dunes or Quinta da Marinha.

    Discover the Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff formation where the waves crash against the rocks, creating a spectacular natural phenomenon.

    Take a day trip to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and enjoy stunning views of the rugged coastline.  


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Schengen Visa Required and copy of insurance and passport sized photo a week before departure

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

    Accommodation
    3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
    Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    1 day orientation
    Daily transportation to project
    In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    Fundraising support
    University course credits (where applicable)
    Certificate of Completion

    Airport Pickup at Lisbon Portela Airport

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Lisbon International Airport (LIS). You must arrive between the hours 06:30 – 24:00 on Sunday. 

    If arriving outside the pickup times, we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation and for a private transfer.

    Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

    Accommodation

    You will be accommodated in a local hostel in Lisbon. Rooms are shared dorm rooms, with 4-10 people per room. Accommodation includes wifi, air-con, laundry at an extra fee, bed linen, and hot showers. You can find anything you require such as ATMs, supermarkets, pharmacies, etc. close to the accommodation at a walking distance.

    You will receive 3 meals a day on weekdays and just breakfast on weekends. The meals are traditional meals served unique to the area. You can also eat out at any of the local restaurants.

    *Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.


    Food & Beverages

    We provide 3 meals a day on weekdays and just breakfast on weekends. The meals are traditional meals served unique to the area. You can also eat out at any of the local restaurants.


    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) in Lisbon. We assist you to find cheap flights to Portugal. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Portugal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Portugal you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Portugal. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 2,323€
    3 weeks 3,316€
    4 weeks 4,308€
    8 weeks 8,279€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 12,249€
    Average fees 1,090€/week

    Program fees

    1,090€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Involvement Volunteers IVI

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (204 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1989

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Lauren

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

    Meet your organization

    Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


    WHO WE ARE

    Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

    We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

    SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
    All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

    Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

    AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
    As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

    We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

    The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

    In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

    SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
    With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

    All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

    Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

    Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

    SUPPORT

    From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

    On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

    FUN!
    Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

    GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

    204 reviews · rating4.7

    Lenard rating4.8

    2024 at Food Support for the Homeless

    The volunteering was a lot of fun. I become more skilled in cooking techniques, and learned many things. It was also exciting for me to live by myself in a foreign country and I had a lot of fun with exploring Lisbon by myself. The food and accommodation was very good. The staff were always ...
    The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. I am grateful for this experience, for the people I met and for the wonderful people who cared for us throughout the 2 weeks. This trip has inspired me to pursue ...
    What an incredible experience to be able to live in amongst the island community, fully immersed in village life. I really really enjoyed my stay and it was so amazing to explore the island in my free time. In the classroom, it was mostly helping kids one on one with the work assigned by the ...
    I am so blessed to have been lead by amazing dietician and naturopathic professionals who have inspired what I hope to be in this field one day. Words and pictures could never capture how life changing this experience was, and what beautiful souls these people hold. Pictures also don’t capture how ...
    There were so many highlights to this trip! However the one that stood out the most was living in Moala village for one week. The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. The people we visited in Moala, Yako ...
    What a fantastic trip. Getting the opportunity to live in a village for a week was so incredibly special, and all of our hosts quickly became like family. The work itself was challenging at times but very rewarding, and I felt like we were making a difference within the communities that we worked ...

    Location


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    Contact Lauren
      Excellent response rate
    English

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