Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of some frequently asked questions. Feel free to email or call us directly at (619) 253-5555 with any questions you have.
General Questions
What Services does Baja Cooks provide?
Baja Cooks offers food services to groups serving in Mexico on short-term mission trips. A camping option includes complete setup and take down of all your groups tent accommodations.
How long has Baja Cooks been doing this?
Baja Cooks started providing food services to mission trip groups in Mexico in 1999 and has since served over 800 groups from all over the United States and Canada.
Where do you provide your services?
We serve mission-trip groups at ministry bases, hotels, orphanages and campgrounds throughout the northern region of Baja California and Sonora, Mexico.
Are your staff locally hired?
Yes, the staff at Baja Cooks is made up of locals who love serving groups making an impact in their very own communities. Most of them have been with us for over 10 years!….See The Baja Cooks team.
Who is Amor Ministries and what is your relationship with them?
Most of the groups we serve are in partnership with Amor Ministries, a ministry that sends short-term work teams to build homes in Mexico. Amor groups have an option of using Baja Cooks for their food and tent service needs. We have worked alongside Amor for many years and have been a longtime supporter of their mission trip efforts….See Amor Trips.
Why use Baja Cooks?
We have learned a few things over the years about providing food service to hungry American and Canadian mission trip groups serving in Mexico. We pride ourselves on consistency. With Baja Cooks you’ll receive reliable, familiar menus featuring hearty portions designed to keep your entire team fueled and satisfied. But don’t take our word for it, check out what hundreds of group leaders just like you have had to say about their experiences with Baja Cooks….See Testimonials.
How do we book your services?
Call Troy Hemingway at (619) 253-5555 or submit a Proposal Request and we will email a proposal to review.
Food Service Package
WHAT TYPE OF MEALS DO YOU SERVE?
Baja Cooks serves a hearty combination of Tex-Mex and traditional American-style meals served buffet style….See Menus
DO YOU ACCOMMODATE SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS?
Yes, we can accommodate most special dietary needs….See Special Dietary Needs
WHERE DO YOU PURCHASE YOUR FOOD?
Most of our food comes from reputable distributors and grocery chains in Mexico. Some items, however, such as certain meats and specialty items are bought exclusively in the U.S.
HOW IS LUNCH SERVED IF WE TRAVEL TO THE JOB SITES?
We set up a lunch line (deli buffet and snacks) every morning before and during breakfast with everything needed to build your own bagged lunches. We provide large coolers to store and/or transport your lunches as well as 5 gallon igloos of cold drinking water and Gatorade.
IS THE WATER YOU SERVE SAFE TO DRINK?
Yes, we purchase all our water (and ice) from Ultra Pura, the largest distributor of purified drinking water in Baja California.
WHAT TIME ARE MEALS SERVED?
We work around your schedule though here you can find an example of a typical Food Schedule on an Amor Ministries mission trip.
CAN WE TAKE FOOD TO THE FAMILIES WE ARE BUILDING HOUSES FOR?
No, as much as we would love to feed the families the food we serve is strictly for the paying participants. It is possible to purchase extra meals ahead of time for the families you are serving. (Please call for details)
ARE THE MEALS ALL YOU CAN EAT?
Yes, however we ask that you please serve yourself moderate meal portions the first time through the line to give everyone a chance to try the entire menu.
HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT MEALS ARE GOING TO BE SERVED?
Menus for the following day are always posted in front of our kitchen area.
DO YOU PROVIDE TABLES AND CHAIRS TO EAT AT?
Yes, we set up tables and chairs near our kitchen to eat at.
DO YOU PROVIDE SLEEPING PADS?
One cool perk of using Baja Cooks for your food service needs is you have access to our sleeping cushions (no charge) even if you are bringing your own tents! (Available at Amor’s Hacienda Camp Only)
Food and Camping Package
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR FOOD AND CAMPING PACKAGE?
In addition to all your food service needs, our Food and Camping Package includes all your group’s tent accommodations, 2″ thick sleeping cushions, and chairs at your campsite. We will setup all your tents prior to your arrival and break them all down following our departure.
WHAT TYPE OF TENTS DO YOU USE?
We setup 10′ x 10′ dome-style tents that accommodate 2-3 people pretty comfortably. Larger tents available (limited supply) for groups with larger families or groups wanting more people per tent.
HOW MANY TENTS DO YOU PROVIDE?
Depends on whether you want 2 or 3 people per tent (or a mix of both) We can provide up provide up to one tent for every two people in your group. You can move sleeping cushions around to accommodate any sleeping assignments you have. (Ex. 4 people in one tent and 1 person in another) Additional tents are available for $40 per tent.
WHAT TYPE OF SLEEPING PADS DO YOU USE?
We use 2-inch thick exercise cushions that are 6 feet long and 2 feet wide. Additional cushions are available upon request.
WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO MY TENT?
Tents often take a beating from the elements. Should you encounter any issues with your tent please speak to any of our staff and we will fix or replace it.
DO YOU RENT TENTS?
No, our tents are only available to groups signed up with our Food and Camping Package.
CAN WE BRING AN AIR MATTRESS?
Participants are more than welcome to bring additional padding or an air mattress to sleep on.
Still Have Questions?
Please fill out this form, and we will reach out to answer any questions you may have about our services. You can also call us at (619) 253-5555.
