Coordinator, Food Access Programs

Entreinstitute; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Neighbour to Neighbour seeks a Coordinator, Food Access Programs to lead the delivery of community meals, low-cost produce markets, and collaborative kitchen sessions. You will guide menu creation, ensure safety standards, and coordinate volunteers to prepare meals for 100+ participants.

You’ll manage inventory, sourcing, and partnerships, while promoting cultural diversity and reducing waste in a fast-paced environment. Evening programs may be required.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience delivering food-based programming, meal planning and cooking for large groups.
• Diploma or degree in a culinary related field.
• Food Handler Certificate required.
• Experience as a chef or cook; lived experience is valued.
• Ability to plan and prepare healthy meals for 100+ people at one time.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Experience working with diverse and under-resourced communities.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills; ability to remain calm and clear under pressure.
• Experience with budgeting, sourcing food and other resources, working with suppliers, and managing inventory.
• Fast-paced kitchen environment, on feet multiple days per week.
• Exposure to bleach, high heat, and gas cooktops/stoves.
• Access to a vehicle is an asset

Responsibilities

• Design balanced menus for weekly community meals, reflecting cultural diversity and healthy options.
• Prepare meals for the community (100+ people) with volunteer support.
• Organize and lead volunteer teams to wash, chop, and portion produce; assist with cooking and plating.
• Maintain composure in a fast-paced setting and plan to ensure stability around mealtimes.
• Incorporate community feedback into menus and market while honoring cultural preferences.
• Ensure all food safety standards are met and guide volunteers to follow procedures.
• Order and source affordable produce weekly reflecting seasonal availability.
• Coordinate weekly produce preparation for the market with volunteers.
• Oversee weekly cash handling, costs, and reconciliation for accuracy.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Suite and office software.
• Coordinate food purchasing, deliveries, and inventory to minimize waste.
• Communicate with program staff to align menus with resources.
• Maintain a clean, organized kitchen space and enforce health standards.
• Partner with Volunteer Coordinator on registration, training, and hours tracking.
• Perform other duties to support operations.

Skills

Food program delivery

Volunteer leadership

Inventory management

Budgeting basics

Food safety standards

Education

Diploma or degree in culinary field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Title: Coordinator, Food Access Programs

Reports to: Manager, Food Access

Position Type: Full time, permanent

Compensation: Starting from $48,500 / year

Positions Reporting to Role: Interns and 10–12 weekly volunteers

Position Status: This job posting is for an active, existing vacancy.

Review Process: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are not utilized to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.

(Operations at our Food Centre often extend into the evening and require staff to regularly run programming outside of the 9 – 5 hours of the workday.)

Position Summary

At Neighbour to Neighbour, food is more than nourishment; it’s a way to build health, belonging, and hope. The Coordinator for Food Access will lead the delivery of programs and initiatives focused on moving food from its source through to community. It includes cooking and serving our community meals, coordinating our low-cost produce market, leading our collaborative prep-kitchen sessions and supporting meals for other programs as needed. You will create and serve balanced, healthy menus with both meat and vegetarian options. You’ll guide and support the team to follow food safety standards, support organizing food for programs, and manage inventory and volunteers.

The Coordinator, Food Access thrives under pressure, stays organized in a fast-paced environment, and leads with clarity and kindness. You’ll inspire volunteers, maximize food output while minimizing waste, and create a welcoming space where people are cared for and nourished.

Key Responsibilities

• Design balanced menus for weekly community meals, ensuring they reflect cultural diversity and align with our vision of healthy, delicious food.
• Prepare meals for the community (100+ people), managing large-scale ingredient prep and cooking with the support of volunteers.
• Organize and lead volunteer teams to wash, chop, and portion produce, and assist with cooking and plating, fostering a collaborative and efficient kitchen environment.
• Maintain composure and clarity in a fast-paced setting, managing competing demands while creating stability around mealtimes through proactive planning.
• Incorporate community feedback into menus and market in a way that honors cultural preferences and supports program goals.
• Ensure all food safety standards are met, guiding volunteers and staff to follow proper procedures consistently.
• Order and source affordable produce weekly ensuring selections reflect seasonal availability and cultural diversity.
• Coordinate and oversee the weekly preparation of produce for the market, ensuring volunteers complete tasks efficiently and to standard.
• Oversee financial operations, including monitoring weekly order costs, tracking sales, and reconciling two cash boxes and floats to ensure accuracy and accountability.
• Experienced in use of Microsoft Suite programs and other office and administrative software.
• Coordinate food purchasing, receive deliveries, and track stock levels across the fridge, freezer, and pantry to ensure timely replenishment and minimal waste.
• Communicate regularly with program staff to align menus with available resources and ensure coordinators have the exact ingredients they need.
• Maintain a clean, highly organized kitchen space while strictly enforcing workplace health, safety, and food compliance standards.
• Partner with the Volunteer Coordinator to handle registration, training, scheduling, and accurate hours tracking.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operations.

Qualifications and Experience

• 2-3 years of experience delivering food-based programming - meal planning and cooking for large groups
• Diploma or degree in a culinary related field
• Food Handler Certificate required
• Experience as a chef or cook; lived experience is valued
• Ability to plan and prepare healthy meals for 100+ people at one time
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs
• Experience working with diverse and under-resourced communities
• Strong organizational and leadership skills; ability to remain calm and clear under pressure
• Experience with budgeting, sourcing food and other resources, working with suppliers, and managing inventory.
• Fast-paced kitchen environment, on feet multiple days per week
• Exposure to bleach, high heat, and gas cooktops/stoves
• Access to a vehicle is an asset

Neighbour to Neighbour is an equal opportunity employer. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only successful candidates moving forward to the review phase will be contacted for an initial screening.

Neighbour to Neighbour is committed to employment equity and encourages applicants from equity seeking and deserving groups. We are dedicated to providing an atmosphere free from barriers in order to embody and best demonstrate equity, inclusivity, and diversity. We celebrate and welcome the diversity of all employees.

If you require accommodation during the application and recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 905-574-1334 Ext 209 as soon as possible.