"Food for All" Program In-School Ambassadors

Nutritionforlearning; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 29,549 - 42,085; Part time

Job summary

Nutritionforlearning is seeking In-School Ambassadors for the “Food for All” program. This part-time role involves preparing and serving nutritious meals, building relationships within school communities, and ensuring a welcoming environment for students. Candidates should have a passion for food equity and experience in hospitality or community programming.

You'll contribute to a positive learning experience while promoting healthy eating and reducing stigma around accessing food at school. The role requires a valid driver's license and Food Handler Certification, among other qualifications.

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality, food service, or community programming.
• Ability to build positive relationships with diverse groups.
• Strong time-management skills necessary for a dynamic setting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals to students.
• Foster inclusive food environments.
• Build positive relationships with school community members.
• Promote participation in nutrition programs.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Hospitality experience

Organizational abilities

Knowledge of food allergies

Education

Food Handler Certification

Job description

“Food for All” Program In-School Ambassadors

HIRING 3 POSITIONS

Reports to: Director of People and Operations

Direct Reports: None

Compensation Range: $26.00/hour

Part-Time • Up to 30 hours weekly

Monday-Friday, 7:30am-3:30pm

School-Day Schedule (Hours will vary based on school program schedules)

Location: Hybrid. Primarily in schools with some in-office time. Local travel with own vehicle required.

Passionate about food and food equity.

Someone with hospitality experience.

Excited to be of-service to children and youth.

A connector and team player.

A believer in community and the power of belonging.

This is a foodie role, but you don’t need chef experience. Just a passion for building community, a belief that food is a great connector, and the desire to have tons of fun with a values‑centred team.

If this is you, read on!

WHO WE ARE.

Nutrition for Learning offers universally accessible, non‑stigmatizing student nutrition programs to schools across Waterloo Region. These programs positively impact the physical, cognitive, behavioural, social, and academic needs of children and youth in our community. We are a registered charitable organization first established in 1997, and support nearly 175 student programs in all three school boards. (WRDSB –Waterloo Region District School Board, WCDSB –Waterloo Catholic District School Board and the French Language Public School Board).

OUR VISION.

A Waterloo Region where all students are nourished at school so they can learn, connect, participate and thrive.

THE MISSION.

In partnership with youth and educators, we continually strive to elevate the experience of universal food access at schools in ways that promote optimal wellbeing, healthy relationships, and food literacy.

WE BELIEVE.

When students are nourished, their capacity to imagine, explore, and connect elevates. Every student deserves a fair shot by being well nourished during their school day.

No young person should feel stigmatized for accessing food at school.

Food is community. We nurture the idea that food can connect people and places. When students eat nutritious food together, mental, physical, and community health improves.

The unique perspectives of students are needed on our mission to improve universal access to food at schools

THE COMPASS: OUR VALUES.

Student‑Centred. We create opportunities to prioritize the voices and best interests of those we serve. We ensure that students have a "seat at the table" in creating a healthier future for young people in Waterloo Region.

Universal & Inclusive. As a youth‑serving organization committed to universally accessible programs, we ensure that diverse voices and views help shape our work.

Learning is Thriving. We co‑create environments that nurture personal and professional expansion. We celebrate wins and challenges together, and strive to better ourselves through both.

Trust Leads to Growth. We foster trust by believing the best in others. We strive to be the kinds of people that others have faith by leading with kindness and authenticity in all interactions.

Stewarding the Future. With long‑term impact as our goal, we honour our donors, partners, and stakeholders by being socially, financially, and environmentally responsible and accountable.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This Role Has Impact.

The “Food for All” Program In‑School Ambassadors are brand new roles at Nutrition for Learning, designed to transform the experience of school food in our region!

We’re launching a three year pilot program designed to begin providing more nourishing Ontario foods – prepared and enjoyed with love – to meal programs in select Waterloo Region schools K‑12. These programs are designed in ways that invite every single student to the table…literally.

With your team and school partners, you’ll play a key role in facilitating welcoming, nourishing, and inclusive food experiences for students across your portfolio of schools. You’re already adept at going with the flow and improvising, as the school day always presents opportunities for change and thinking on our feet! You’ll meet each day in the spirit of community and hospitality, truly being of‑service to the school communities we support.

As part of Nutrition for Learning's innovative Food for All initiative, this role combines hospitality, food service, relationship‑building, and school engagement. You'll help create environments where students feel welcomed, included, and empowered to access nutritious food without stigma.

The successful candidate believes in the power of food to bring people together. They enjoy building relationships, creating positive experiences, and contributing to a growing movement that is helping transform school food across Canada.

This role offers a unique opportunity to support students directly while helping shape innovative approaches to student nutrition and community wellbeing.

Job Purpose.

Nutrition for Learning is piloting new approaches to student nutrition that elevate both food access and the student experience.

The “Food for All” Program In‑School Ambassadors are responsible for preparing and serving nutritious food, fostering positive relationships within school communities, and supporting the successful delivery of student nutrition programming. Working across multiple school sites, this role helps ensure students have access to welcoming food environments that promote belonging, participation, and wellbeing.

Success in this role requires a hospitality‑first mindset, strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a genuine passion for supporting young people.

You Will:

• Prepare and serve nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks.
• Create welcoming, inclusive, and engaging food environments for students.
• Build positive relationships with students, educators, volunteers, and school administrators.
• Promote student participation in nutrition programs while helping reduce stigma associated with accessing food.
• Represent Nutrition for Learning professionally and positively within school communities.
• Support food safety, sanitation, and nutrition standards.
• Receive, organize, and store food deliveries.
• Monitor inventory levels and minimize food waste.
• Maintain accurate food safety, inventory, and program records.
• Keep food preparation and service areas clean, organized, and welcoming.
• Support volunteer engagement and collaboration within school communities.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen program participation and student engagement.
• Gather observations, insights, and feedback that support pilot program development and continuous improvement.
• Adapt to changing school and program needs while maintaining a positive and solutions‑focused approach.
• Travel between school locations to support student nutrition programming.
• Assist with special events, community initiatives, and program activities.
• Join Nutrition for Learning team meetings and work sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications.

REQUIRED

• Experience in hospitality, food service, customer service, recreation, community programming, or a related field.
• Strong relationship‑building and communication skills.
• Knowledge of food allergies, dietary restrictions, and culturally diverse foods.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Food Handler Certification (or willingness to obtain prior to start date).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and perform food preparation and service activities.

PREFERRED

• Experience working with children, youth, schools, camps, or community programs.
• Experience creating positive guest or customer experiences.
• Experience supporting pilot programs, new initiatives, or community‑based projects.

Working Conditions.

School‑day schedule with occasional early morning hours.

Active school environments with students, staff, volunteers, and visitors.

Combination of in‑office work (nominal), food preparation, service, relationship‑building, and community engagement activities.

Frequent standing, lifting, carrying, and movement throughout the day.

Only applications that include both a cover letter and a resume will be considered.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.