Food Program Animator

Sunshine Coast Community Services Society; Sechelt; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Sechelt is seeking a Food Program Animator to enhance their food program initiatives. The successful candidate will support food bank activities, lead community workshops, and foster connections within the community. Ideal candidates possess strong cooking skills, a background in hospitality or social services, and a passion for promoting food security. Competitive compensation with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional development available.

Benefits

100% health benefits

3 weeks of vacation

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in food security.
• Ability to facilitate diverse groups.
• Knowledge of systemic issues contributing to hunger.

Responsibilities

• Support development of food program.
• Drive to pick up donations and deliveries.
• Collaborate with other community food programs.

Skills

Cooking and nutrition skills

Interpersonal skills

Experience with nutrition education

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Post-secondary education in hospitality or social services

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Food Program Animator

Location: Sechelt, BC

Employment Type: Part-time, Term (18 months)

Working hours: 21 hours per week

Compensation: $25.89 - $27.26

About Community Services

Since 1974, Sunshine Coast Community Services Society has been at the heart of creating positive change for people on the Sunshine Coast. With a legacy built on care, dedication, and adaptability, we proudly offer over 30 impactful programs across the region. Our work spans four vital areas: Community Action and Engagement, Together Against Violence, Child and Family Counselling, and Family, Youth, and Children’s Services. Guided by our core values—social justice, interdependence, diversity, compassion, and respect—we are driven to empower individuals and strengthen our community. We’re seeking passionate, values-driven individuals who want to make a real difference in the lives of others. If that sounds like you, join us and be part of our meaningful journey!

About The Role

The Food Program Animator supports the development and expansion of our food program, with a focus on skill-building around healthy meal preparation, nutrition, and food access initiatives. This position is key to our vision as we transition into the new community food hub.

The role involves supporting the weekly activities of the Sunshine Coast Food Bank, collaborating with other program teams, and helping to scale a range of alternative food access programs. A successful candidate brings a justice-oriented lens to their work and is deeply committed to meeting people where they are. This position reports directly to the Lead Food Programmer and to the Manager of Community Action and Engagement during the Lead Food Programmer’s absence.

What You’ll Do

Food Bank Support

• Drive to pick up donations and deliveries.
• Assist the Food Bank Worker with daily tasks.
• Work alongside volunteers on food bank days (Wednesdays), either on the distribution line or in the backroom.

Wider Food Program

• Cook and prepare food for various programs and initiatives.
• Organize and lead classes, workshops, and sessions for community members to reduce social isolation and promote access to healthy food.
• Help source, organize, and manage seasonal "Fresh Food For All" Markets.
• Collaborate with other community food programs to share knowledge and engage with the broader community.
• Plan and execute 4-5 yearly community engagement events at the food bank.
• Work with program staff to facilitate groups and create a safe, inclusive space for all participants.
• Cultivate communication, leadership, and food skills among participants and volunteers.
• Assist with research, reporting, and other administrative tasks.

Organizational & Administrative

• Engage in organization-wide initiatives and ensure ongoing compliance with CARF standards and SCCSS policies and values.
• Participate in and contribute to regular staff meetings.
• Perform other assigned duties.

What You Bring

• Post-secondary education in hospitality, social services, or community food programs, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in nutrition education and its role in food security.
• Proven ability to facilitate diverse groups and a passion for using food to build a healthier community.
• Non-judgmental and effective approach to working with people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Strong cooking and nutrition skills, along with a solid understanding of kitchen operations.
• Knowledge of the impacts of colonization including residential schools on Indigenous peoples.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to build trust and foster respectful relationships.
• The ability to follow directions, work both independently and as part of a team, and meet deliverable-based outcomes in a timely manner.
• Some knowledge of the systemic issues that contribute to hunger and poverty.
• Creative, flexible, and adaptable mindset, with a willingness to learn and navigate changing environments.
• Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft office suite

Why Join Our Team?

• Competitive and Transparent Compensation: We value fairness and clarity in our wages.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Employer covers 100% of health benefits and 75% of long-term disability premiums.
• Generous Vacation Time: 3 weeks of vacation
• Wellness and Flexibility: Receive special leave annually for wellness, personal needs, and more.
• Professional Development Support: Paid memberships for professional designations and plenty of opportunities for growth.
• Community Impact: Be part of meaningful work that makes a real difference.
• Team Connection: Participate in our annual Off-Site Team Building Day with fun, engaging activities that foster collaboration and connection.

Additional information

• This position will be based out of the food bank building; however, it is expected that two days of the week will be spent at other locations within the community to support other programs with their food related activities and build deeper inter-organizational and community connections.
• Class 5 driver's license, reliable vehicle and clean driving record
• First aid level C, or be willing to get it
• Lifting and moving of general office supplies and other related supplies/equipment.
• Able to lift 50lbs
• Food Safe (or willing to get)

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter as part of your application.

We are committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodations during any part of the application process, please contact [e-mail].

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.