Café Safety Protocols

UPDATED September 2022:

For all staff and volunteers working indoors: full masking, along with head coverings, continue to be required -- and enforced --

Those working outdoors may choose to work without a face mask or head covering, but must cover their faces and their heads when they enter the building.

Face masks are to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Head coverings are a Food Safety requirement to protect against physical contaminants in food.

What to Wear in the Kitchen

Working in and around a kitchen, it is important to dress appropriately and demonstrate good personal hygiene.

When working anywhere at the Café:

  • Wear closed-toe shoes.
  • Do not wear clothing or buttons that are partisan or that express controversial opinions while volunteering.
  • Let the shift leader know if you have a cut or wound; we'll make sure it is properly bandaged.
  • Limit your use of perfumes and colognes because some folks may have sensitivity around smells and fragrances.
  • Come into the space with clean body, hair, and clothing. If you have pets at home, please remove any residual pet hair from your clothing.

When working in the Kitchen or Dining Room:

  • Wear a shirt with sleeves (no tank tops). Push up long sleeves.
  • Remove watches & elaborate jewelry.
  • Cover your hair with a hat, scarf, or hair net (provided by the Café).
  • Put on a clean apron & clean gloves (provided by the Café).
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Community Guidelines

The Stone Soup Café board, staff, and volunteers strive to conduct ourselves in a responsible and ethical manner. By having guidelines we create a space that is safer for everyone. We collaborate to achieve the Café’s mission, uphold the Café’s values, and work to maintain a positive, respectful and constructive tone throughout the Café.

At the Café, we all agree to:

  • Treat everyone with dignity, respect, and kindness. Help the Café be a welcoming environment for everyone. Facilitate a climate of trust and mutual support through relationships focused on respect. Communicate with language that is inclusive and compassionate. Recognize that most people are doing the best they can.

  • Respect others’ boundaries. Avoid forcing personal values, beliefs, and behaviors on others. Instead, strive to exchange knowledge and build relationships. Stay curious and open to learning new things! Listen to understand.

  • Work with mindful intention and ask for clarification if confused. Asking for help is celebrated!

  • Use your good judgment in terms of your own physical condition, and do not come in if you are sick, or have any condition that could negatively impact on your ability to deliver quality services.

  • Remember that volunteers are not rule-enforcers or gatekeepers; Volunteers are helpers. At times, volunteers may have to clarify information or a policy, but try and do so with a smile. If a rule needs to be enforced, get a staff person.

  • Try to resolve conflicts with direct and respectful conversation.