Meal Provider FAQs

  • What meals are popular? We can provide a lot of ideas, but here’s a brief list: Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, pizza, burgers and hot dogs (we often grill in the summer!), Swedish meatballs and noodles, spaghetti, Asian-inspired foods such as potstickers, egg rolls, and lo mein noodles, and Mexican dishes. 

  • What meals are not as popular? Unfamiliar, less common dishes. Families during trauma gravitate towards familiarity and often stick with what they know. That’s not to say that new or unique meals are off the table - It’s just something to consider! Also consider these swap outs:

  • Use pasta or rice (instead of quinoa)

  • Use romaine lettuce (instead of kale)

  • Make a chicken casserole or beef stroganoff (instead of tuna casserole - We also have a no-seafood policy, so this one shouldn’t be an issue!) 

  • Include a starch, meat, and veggie in your meals (instead of vegetarian-only or vegan-only). Or, consider a vegetarian or vegan meal as a side dish instead of the main course!

  • Omit raisins in entrees (Raisins as snacks or in desserts are OK)

  • What meals do you receive a lot of? Soups, stews, and chili in the fall and winter, taco bars, and lasagna. While these are welcomed meals, we tend to receive them frequently.  

  • Where can I find the menu spreadsheet where I enter my meal? Click here! You can also find this on your Volunteer Portal on the Home page. 

  • Will 30 or 60 servings be enough food? We have up to 17 families in shelter (80-90 moms, dads, and kids) and many hearty eaters. We request 30 to 60 servings from volunteers, because that’s already such a big request! Staff are ready to provide supplemental food when needed. 

  • Do I have to accommodate food allergies? No, you do not need to make special dishes for families who have dietary restrictions. Simply include this form to inform us of ingredients, so families can make informed decisions. Staff are prepared to make something for residents who have specific dietary needs. 

  • How and where do I obtain a Food Handlers card? Visit the Multnomah County Official Food Handlers site. The process takes about 1 hour: 40 minutes to read the Food Handlers manual or watch the videos, and 20 minutes to take the test. The test has around 35 yes-no questions. You will need an email to set up your account, a proctor, and a credit card for the $10 fee that you pay at the end (Let Jen know if you’d like reimbursement! We’re happy to do that). You may print or save your Food Handlers card as a PDF. Once finished, send Samantha a copy of your card so we can update your volunteer account. It is good for 3 years.

  • If I am working with a group, is everyone required to get a Food handlers card? If you are preparing the meal as a group, only one supervising person needs to have a Food Handlers card. If you are preparing food separately, then individuals need to each have their own card - This is Path Home’s preference. However, we recognize that may be a challenge as a group and we don’t want to prohibit you from contributing. A Food Handlers card is highly encouraged, but would not be required if working individually as a group. 

  • Can I contribute a side dish or baked goods? Yes! If preparing a meal for 30 people feels like too big of an undertaking, we always welcome side dishes to help round out a meal, or baked goods as a special treat! Contact Jen to arrange a time.

  • Can I donate food items to stock your fridge and pantry? Absolutely yes! We understand that preparing and donating a meal isn’t the right fit for everyone. If you still want to help, we always welcome new, unopened, and unexpired food items (Ex: Shelf stable foods such as breakfast cereals or snacks, or even frozen items like chicken nuggets and potstickers!). See our food wish list here or contact Jen regarding our current needs!

  • Is my meal donation tax deductible? Yes! Because meal providers purchase all ingredients, this volunteer position is also a financial contribution. You may request an in-kind acknowledgement letter from Jen at any time. Otherwise, we send out acknowledgement letters to all participating Meal Providers in January for the previous year. Your acknowledgement letter can be used as your tax receipt.