Coordinator, Food Access Programs

Neighbour 2 Neighbour Centre•Hamilton, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
Experienced in use of Microsoft Suite programs and other office and administrative software.

Nice To Haves

Access to a vehicle is an asset

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.
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.