Food Hub Associate

McDowell LFAC; Marion (NC); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

McDowell Local Food Advisory Council – Foothills Food Hub is seeking a dependable Food Hub Associate to join our operations team. This part-time, hourly role focuses on driving, deliveries, and pickups from local farmers, plus transportation between the hub, customers, and distribution sites.

You will also support warehouse tasks, receive and organize food, pack orders, assist with inventory, and help keep facilities clean and safe.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Valid driver's license and automobile insurance.
• Safe driving record and ability to operate Food Hub vehicles.
• Ability to lift and carry food boxes up to 40 pounds.
• Willingness to work in refrigerated, outdoor, and warehouse environments.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate Foothills Food Hub vehicles to complete deliveries.
• Pickup food from local farmers and suppliers, including refrigerated items.
• Deliver food to customers and partners at multiple locations.
• Assist with receiving, packing, and inventory in the warehouse.
• Maintain clean, safe vehicles and report any issues.

Skills

Driving

Logistics

Forklift operation

Communication

Teamwork

Safety

GPS navigation

Routing software

Tools

GPS navigation

Routing software

Job description

Food Hub Associate

McDowell Local Food Advisory Council – Foothills Food Hub
Part-Time | Hourly, Non-Exempt | 22–32 hours/week | $17–$19/hour

About Foothills Food Hub

Foothills Food Hub is operated by McDowell Local Food Advisory Council, a nonprofit organization working to strengthen our local food system and increase access to healthy, locally produced food in McDowell County and surrounding communities.

The Food Hub works with local farmers and producers to aggregate, distribute, and connect locally grown food with families, customers, community organizations, and other partners.

About the Position

Foothills Food Hub is seeking a dependable, hardworking Food Hub Associate to join our operations team. This position is primarily focused on driving and logistics, including food deliveries, product pickups from local farmers and suppliers, and transportation between the Food Hub, customers, community partners, and distribution sites.

The Food Hub Associate also supports warehouse operations, including receiving and organizing food, loading and unloading vehicles, packing food boxes and orders, inventory support, cleaning, and other tasks that keep the Food Hub running safely and efficiently.

This is an active, hands-on position that requires flexibility, good communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong work ethic, honesty, integrity, and a commitment to strengthening local food access in our community.

Key Responsibilities

Driving & Logistics

• Safely operate Foothills Food Hub refrigerated vans, cargo vans, and box trucks to complete food deliveries and product pickups.
• Pick up food from local farmers, producers, and suppliers, including refrigerated and frozen products.
• Deliver food to customers, community partners, pantries, wholesale customers, distribution sites, and other locations.
• Tow a cargo trailer when needed and appropriately trained.
• Use GPS and routing software to complete deliveries efficiently and accurately.
• Document deliveries and pickups as required.
• Communicate professionally with customers, farmers, partners, and community members.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe Food Hub vehicles.
• Report vehicle or transportation concerns promptly.

Warehouse & Food Hub Operations

• Assist with receiving, loading, unloading, staging, and organizing food products.
• Pack food boxes, retail orders, wholesale orders, and other food distributions.
• Assist with inventory counts and organization of refrigerated, frozen, and dry storage.
• Operate a forklift and other warehouse equipment after completing required training.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized warehouse and work environment.
• Assist with cleaning coolers, floors, work areas, and other Food Hub spaces.
• Follow all food safety and food handling procedures.

Qualifications & Requirements

• At least 21 years old.
• Valid driver's license and required automobile insurance.
• Safe driving record and ability to safely operate Food Hub vehicles.
• Ability and willingness to drive refrigerated vans, cargo vans, and box trucks and, when trained, tow a cargo trailer.
• Ability to lift and carry food boxes, cases, and other materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work in refrigerated, frozen, warehouse, and outdoor environments and in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to use a smartphone, GPS/navigation systems, routing software, and other basic technology.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to food safety, workplace safety, and respectful treatment of customers, coworkers, farmers, volunteers, and community partners.

Food distribution, warehouse, delivery, farming, or commercial driving experience is helpful but not required. We are willing to train the right candidate.

Schedule

Approximately 22–32 hours per week, generally Monday through Thursday. The schedule will vary based on delivery routes, product pickups, warehouse operations, and seasonal needs. Early mornings or occasional evenings may be required.

Physical & Work Environment

This is a physically active position requiring frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, loading, unloading, and entering and exiting vehicles. The position involves working in refrigerated and frozen environments, warehouses, outdoors, and in a variety of weather conditions.

Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Compensation

$17–$19/hour, depending on qualifications and experience.

This is a part-time position and is not currently eligible for employee benefits.

Reporting

The Food Hub Associate reports to the Operations Manager and/or designated Warehouse Supervisor and works as part of the Foothills Food Hub operations team.

Other duties may be assigned as reasonably related to Foothills Food Hub operations.