Open Hand

It’s been some time since I’ve been wanting to give a helping hand, and I finally found an organization that had a great registration and sign up process that allowed me to help right away. You simply register on their website
and sign up for their available slots. It’s broken up into 3 categories; food prepping, packing, and delivery.
Today I did food packing with a group of 11 other volunteers. I was pretty surprised that majority of the volunteers were groups of family that brought their little kids. Teaching kids to help others is an awesome lesson and was pretty admirable of the parents.
The location of the facility is one block away from the Sweetwater Brewery. You can tell right away with the Open Hand vans all parked in the lot. Come through the second entrance door and sign in on the computer. Once signed in, the coordinator will lead you to the room where you put your aprons and hair nets. They also offer a locker to place your belongings/​valuable that will be locked.
Once you get into your wardrobe, the coordinator will ask groups to take turns in washing their hands and place gloves. Inside the kitchen, there are 3 conveyor belts, which the volunteers worked on 2 of them. My bf and I got to label and stack into the racks. Others got to scoop and place the food into the trays. Labeling was pretty fun, though non stop because you’re racing against a machine lol. We packed and labeled around a thousand in total and it was an awesome group effort.
Time flew by so quickly and the music in the background helped tremendously, not to mention the great staff. It’s amazing how much food is made and prepped here. Though we only packed, can’t think how much work goes into cooking all this food, that looked pretty good.
Today was eventful and I did leave with my heart growing x10. This is an awesome organization that provides thousands of food on a weekly basis to those that have chronic illnesses.
Being that it was our first time, one thing I did wish that the staff told was a bit more about the organization or I guess I could have asked as well. Anyways, will come back again with others!
Oh and don’t forget to sign out as you’re leaving~
And couple of tips, though the website will tell you when you sign up but, no open toe shoes, no accessories of any kind, and no sleeveless shirts. It is pretty chilly in the kitchen so if you get cold easily, wear long sleeve and they will provide you sleeve covers.
Lastly, I strongly recommend you don’t come on an empty tummy. 3 hours of work surely makes you hungry and it may put you in a hangry mood afterwards if you didn’t eat anything in the morning =) Just sayin.

I love open hand; I volunteer once a month. The staff is awesone (Damion) is very helpful! You feel some much better after volunteering for 4 hours I met a friend there last year and we coordinate our schedules to volunteer together!!! Try it you will love it!

What a lovely place and organization. I was excited to have my first volunteer experience thanks to Heidi P. for organizing such an event.
It’s a huge building off of Amour Drive and they have their own parking lot.
You can definitely notice their organization’s banner on the fence when you pull in. The facility is super clean and they have a lovely staff. Through the organization of Heidi P. we were able to put in 4 hours of volunteer time on a Sunday afternoon preparing meals for their clients.
It was a great experience and they have plenty of opportunities to volunteer and are always looking for help so be sure to check out their website for more info.

Open hand is by far one of my favorite places to volunteer. With this organization you have the option of preparing meals in the kitchen (most popular and fills is quick) or delivering meals (using your own vehicle).
The meals go to chronically ill homebound adults. Many of whom may not interact with other people on a regular basis, which is why meal delivery is a great service opportunity.
This is a popular organization to volunteer with. Plan months in advance to serve here in the kitchen, you can plan just a week or two out for meal delivery.

Amazing organization. They put together healthy meals for those with illnesses, the elderly and those who cannot cook for themselves, at no charge. They run largely on donations of money and food, and volunteerism.
You can volunteer to pack meals, which is great with a large group of around 10 (because you’ll SPEED through the process) and you can also volunteer to deliver meals, which is something they really need help with.
In April, they do Dine Out For Life at many awesome restaurants around Atlanta (and more cities). where 25% or more of your bill will go towards the business.
I’m excited to work further with this awesome organization!

As the awesome David K. said, «I can’t say enough good things about this organization.» Ditto.
We delivered meals together sometime ago, and last year my Junior League placement was with them, mostly packaging meals; I enjoyed both of those things. I’m taking a break from working right now and one of my activities is to do some kind of volunteer work three or four times a week. I have gotten suggestions from others, and am interested in a few dog-​related organizations, but Open Hand tugged at my heart as always.
David and I decided to reconnect there again today; he had mentioned that they have need for folks who are good with computers to work in their office. I was game! It was cool doing something different for them — under instruction from the same awesome staff I’ve previously met– and I really enjoyed my task: using a neat little software program to compile nutrition info for a slew of their recipes used to make the food they prepare in house to provide to people. I had to dig into my slightly rusty menu for a few conversions (when ¹⁄₈ tsp of something wasn’t an available option in the drop down menu, I had to figure out how to quantify it. .. and what exactly is a «pinch» when a «dash» (listed as ¹⁄₁₆ tsp isn’t listed)…etc!). So now OH has a few nutrition lists to pair with each recipe and its instructions — cool!
David helped with packing again and was sweet talked into a short delivery route. Both of us had a nice morning and got a little chance to catch up to boot!
I really can’t recommend spending time here enough to anyone!

I was recently in Atlanta and spent half a day at Open Hand. I was very impressed with everything we encountered. The food quality is truly impressive, the professionalism and commitment from the staff is heartwarming, and the efficiency is incredible.
We started out our morning learning about what Open Hand does and how they do it. I have to admit I had never even considered that there were these kinds of places out there. Open Hand provides fresh, nutritionally balanced, meals to people who can’t cook for themselves and don’t have the support from elsewhere. The meals looked fantastic and are healthy too?! I swear those people are eating better than I am!
There was about 30 of us and we were split into two groups. Most went to the kitchen to put meals together. Some of us went to the warehouse to put grocery bags of food together for those deliveries. Our team made 2000+ meals and 200 grocery bags of food in our half day there. This has nothing to do with our competency but everything to do with the efficient process Open Hand has employed.
If I lived in Atlanta I’d definitely spend more time volunteering for Open Hand. They said they’re looking for volunteers during the week and for delivering food. Delivering food to people in need is a great way to spend a day with your kids and teach them about giving back to the community.

If you enjoy volunteering, then you will love Open Hand. This is my 3^rd time volunteering here and all my experience has been very rewarding. This nonprofit organization is a place where they prepare meals base on what the client’s needs are. They are very organized group. I worked on the food prep assembly line (where I scoop food portion in a tray kind of remind me of a lean cuisine). We had a leader to give us direction and the rest of the process was easy. If you decided to volunteer for Open Hand here are some suggesting beforehand, call to select a time, NO jewelry including visible body piercing (not allow in the food area). Last must have a kind heart. There are other things that you can do there as well they have data entry. They are currently trying to expand and always need help.

During my final semester at Emory, I took a non-​profit class and as part of our grade, we had to volunteer for 40 hours at a non-​profit organization and then do a presentation on the chosen place. I chose Open Hand, and I’m very glad I did.
It’s a great organization dedicated to making and distributing balanced meals to people around Atlanta who have chronic or terminal illnesses, are low income and possibly housebound. Oh, and it’s a no-​charge to them.
The vast majority of the people working there are volunteers: individuals and groups who sign up to come on pre-​determined days to either pack meals or drive and deliver them to the homes. And the staff who are employed there full time are a group of great, friendly people who know exactly what they’re doing and are happy to show the first-​timers how it’s done.
Since I volunteered very regularly for almost 4 months, I got pretty grooved into the organization and how things are run: I did everything from scooping out servings into the pre-​portioned containers, to shrink wrapping the lids on the meals with heating instructions, to adding fruit or pudding cups to lunches, to pushing loaded carts to the freezer area until they were ready to be delivered.
One of the coolest things I learned is how Open Hand can provide as many thousands of meals as it does at no cost to the recipients. It has three main sources of income: the government, private and corporate donations, and a secondary meal service called «Good Measure Meals,» which are meals made alongside the Open Hand Meals. These meals are different however, in that they are sold to health clubs and weight loss clinics and individuals who want delivered, pre-​portioned meals for a profit. Those earnings are then directed back to subsidizing the meals for Open Hand’s recipients.
I really enjoyed my time volunteering with Open Hand, because I felt like I was making a difference to people who couldn’t really help themselves. It was tiring work, but always rewarding when you were done, and the people I worked with couldn’t have been nicer.
If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity that’s a little out of the ordinary, give Open Hand a try — it’s a unique place and they always need more help.

We signed up to volunteer to package meals at Open Hand, because I love cooking I always seek out opportunities where I can help out in the kitchen. After a brief orientation, we were asked to put on aprons and hats and head to the kitchen. As we entered and lined up to wash our hands, one of the people in charge came in and said that there is a church group that’s coming in to work in the kitchen and that all of us should head next door to help pack bags in the warehouse. Now, I am happy to help with whatever it is, but the organization switched the tasks the last minute, which I thought was very disappointing. I came there because I enjoy cooking and wanted to help with the meal packing, instead we were taken to a dark, cold warehouse to pack bags and put them on pallets. Again, I don’t mind helping and I did go and work in the warehouse, BUT this was false advertising in a way. If I knew that the task was going to be switched, I would have worn an old jacket and jeans — clothing appropriate for working in a freezing warehouse. I am very disappointed with how the organization handled the volunteering tasks and would NOT volunteer there again. Just be warned, if you do go, you might end up doing something totally different from what you originally planned.

Open Hand is a great charity that addresses an urgent need in Atlanta; access to nutritious food. There are so many people who simply don’t have the means to eat healthy food on their own. Maybe they are sick, homebound or have fallen on difficult times. Open Hand delivers nutritious meals right to their doors.
When I last volunteered with Open Hand, I was tasked with meal delivery. This means working with at least one other volunteer to drive meals around the ATL area and delivering them to the people on a predetermined list. From my experience, the people coordinating the delivery routes do a really good job of plotting a course that makes sense and providing clear directions to each recipient.
Open Hand also needs volunteers to do food preparation and packaging, along with loading/​unloading provisions and maintaining the facilities.
They partially fund the charity through the «Good Measure Meals» program, which generates revenue by providing well-​rounded meals to people through gyms, exercise programs and the like. Actually, the gym that I frequent has partnered with Open Hand for this purpose. I think it’s a pretty cool way to help people eat well even when they aren’t sick and can afford to purchase their own food. Plus it funds the charity, so people eating «Good Measure Meals» can feel good about themselves for more than one reason!
If you are looking for volunteer work that is impactful and fulfilling, I’d recommend contacting Open Hand. They are always seeking new volunteers and are thankful for any help given. It’s a well-​run program that really makes a difference in peoples’ lives.

What an awesome organization and a great way to give back to the community! I spent three hours here packing food. The work itself is not the toughest of all jobs, but standing of your feet for three constant hours if you are not use to it can be troublesome. We packed food in an assembly line. The meal was comprised of three items and then the person on the end sealed it. It was a very smooth process. If you are looking for a great organization to volunteer sometime with, I would high recommend this place. They also need delivery drivers if you are up to exploring Atlanta!

I had such a wonderful feeling from volunteering throught Project Open Hand. My church, Victory in Stn Mtn, has been providing volunteers to this center for, I believe 22 yrs now.
Since, I no longer work weekends, I am now able to be involved in a ministry and I chose to be a part of Meals on Wheels. Victory sends volunteers every 1^st, 3^rd and if there’s a 5^th Saturday. I am so glad to finally be connected and to be a part of this ministry.
The best part of delivering the meals, of course, is just getting all the thanks and displays of appreciation from the recipients.
James 2:20 — «…faith without works is dead»

If you are looking for somewhere to complete some community service hours, or just feeling like you want to give a little back, look no further! Project Open Hand, now just «Open Hand,» is an amazing organization that provides some 2,500 meals a day to people with terminal illnesses and others who rely solely on Open Hand for all of their meals. They also run their own «Gourmet Meal» delivery service for clients who can afford it, allowing them to have their own revenue stream. It is truly an amazing place.
On to the volunteering part — the volunteer department here is VERY well-​run and organized, just call in and they will set you up immediately! I had to do eight hours of community service so I went here — usually volunteers are tasked with delivering meals to clients (which I have heard is quite fun and rewarding), but I opted to work in-​house because it was my driving that led me to having to do this community service in the first place! I had a great time helping the organization run and helping other volunteers getting read to deliver. Groups here can also help actually package the food– music, friends, and volunteering … it’s a great and helpful way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

A major part of my Saturday morning routine. So what if it’s 8:00 AM? Roll yourself out of bed and come volunteer. I don’t drive a route, so I won’t speak for the drivers, but you can see from other reviewers that they seem to love the experience, too.
I organize and pack the meals that get delivered. There’s a core group of really amazing guys who meet every week to do this, and we’re always looking for more volunteers! It’s quickly become my gay social hour for the week, and I get to give back while I do it — what could be better than that?

What a great way to start a Saturday morning! I used to wake up faithfully and drive to Project Open Hand to deliver meals. This NPO is especially close to my heart because you get to connect with the people on your delivery route. After several months, people would be waiting for me at the door with smiles on their faces. Totally rewarding!
If you’re not up for delivering meals, you can volunteer inside to help prepare the food.

I can’t say enough good things about this organization. They have a long history of providing services to people who can’t otherwise help themselves and they continue to do great things.
A few years ago I had to complete several hours of community service (believe it or not) and I helped pack meals. To my surprise, I actually enjoyed myself. They have an amazingly organized volunteer department, making it easy to get information and to participate. Now when I have time I help deliver meals and it’s awesome. Even though not everyone is home, when you do get the chance to speak with one of the people it makes it all worthwhile.
I am proud to say that I have gotten my company involved and almost all of our Atlanta associates will be donating our time there every day this week.
I agree with Dad B., this is a great way to get over yourself if you are having a moment of self-​loathing or otherwise discouragement. I was really cranky on Thanksgiving and instead of drinking the day away, I woke up early and delivered meals through the afternoon. I had the best Turkey Day, ever.

Completely coincidentally, I volunteered with Project Open Hand the same weekend as Dad B. I tagged along with a friend of mine who’s been doing deliveries for over 10 years, and it was a great experience. I hope to stick around and get a regular route in the new year. My friend is really connected to the people along her route and will stop and talk for a few minutes to each of them.
If you want to support them a different way, their business arm is Good Measure Meals (ttp://www.yelp.com/biz/tY2oD_4JzNKtJQj1kVNecw#hrid:6×09GixuAwPLNdg5d7gXJQ), and all of their profits go towards Project Open Hand.