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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)

Food Support for the Homeless

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

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

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    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

    On-site Services

    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
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    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

    $958 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

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2025
    Very well organised, had no problem checking in. The work was so nice and the people were wonderful. Staff is also there to help out with ...
    Sarah Damaschin

    School Construction

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Contact Lauren
      Very high response rate
    English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details