Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, Lincoln’s only community kitchen and homeless day center, is seeking more volunteers in response to rising community need.
Executive Director Alynn Sampson tells KLIN News that the center has several openings for “meal teams” this year, as well as opportunities for one-time volunteer service. Hunger relief teams have three different options to help:
- Provide, Prepare & Serve: Teams purchase ingredients, prepare the meal, and serve it. This option helps reduce food costs and allows more funding to support housing and case management services.
- Pay & Serve: Teams make a $300 donation to cover food costs; staff prepare the meal while volunteers serve.
- Sides & Serve: Teams provide side dishes while Matt Talbot prepares the main entrée.
Meals are served cafeteria style in Matt Talbot’s dining room. Volunteers typically prepare and serve meals, with staff providing guidance on menu planning and access to USDA food.
“We want to make sure there are a variety of ways for people to get involved, whatever your comfort level is,” Sampson said. “We’re here to support whichever option you feel comfortable with and help you along the way.”
On average, Matt Talbot serves about 283 lunch and dinner meals every day… and Sampson says that number continues to climb.
In 2025, Matt Talbot provided more than 263,000 meals through onsite meals and its Fresh Choice Pantry, a 13% increase in dining room meals compared to 2024. Comparing the month of January in 2025 with 2026, Fresh Choice Pantry visits more than doubled and onsite meals increased by 25%.
“Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do,” said Sampson. “As more neighbors turn to us for support, we rely on the generosity of volunteer teams to ensure everyone who walks through our doors is met with dignity, compassion, and a warm meal.”
Volunteers are encouraged to schedule as soon as possible.
To learn more or inquire about open volunteer dates, contact Victoria O’Neil at victoria.oneil@mtko.org or 402-817-0623. For information about making a monetary donation, contact Lori Wellman at lori.wellman@mtko.org or 402-817-0621.