Food Security Animator

at  Sunshine Coast Community Services

ABOUT COMMUNITY SERVICES:

Sunshine Coast Community Services Society is a community-based organization that has been providing services for people on the Sunshine Coast since 1974. Our history is one of caring, commitment, and flexibility. We provide services through more than 30 programs all along the Coast in four key areas - Community Action and Engagement; Together Against Violence; Child and Family Counselling; and Family, Youth, and Children’s Services. Our core values are those of social justice, inter-dependence, diversity, compassion, and respect. We are looking for staff who share our values and are passionate about making a difference in their community.

SUMMARY:

The Food Security Animator will enhance our food justice and security program by building skills and knowledge around healthy meal preparation and nutrition. This role involves supporting the Sunshine Coast Food Bank’s weekly activities, scaling alternative access programs, and advocating for food justice. Working across various locations, including the food bank, community gardens, and other community sites, the Animator will bring a justice-oriented approach to their innovative programming. Reporting to the Lead Food Programmer and, in their absence, to the Manager of Community Action and Engagement, the ideal candidate is passionate about food and committed to ensuring everyone has access to it.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Post-secondary degree in a related field or a combination of lived/living experience and work experience.
• Experience facilitating diverse groups of community members, and a desire to use food to build health and community.
• Experience working effectively and in a non-judgemental manner with clients from a variety of backgrounds
• Strong skills around cooking and knowledge around nutrition
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Understanding of the systemic issues that contribute to hunger and poverty
• Willingness to learn, be creative and flexible when situations change, adaptable to new technologies, and able to work in ambiguous environments.
• Successful results of criminal records check.

FOOD BANK SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the sorting area is safe – maintain clear walkways and exits.
• Ensures food distribution room and all storage space is clean and tidy during and completing each shift.
• Ensure proper product quality through proper sorting techniques
• Ensures protocols and procedures are adhered to during distribution
• Unload donated items from vehicles upon arrival
• Drives to pick up donations and deliveries as needed
• Works on the line or in the backroom during food bank days (Wednesdays)
• Builds, develops and maintains strong and effective working relationships with your peers.
• Assists the Food Bank Animator with daily tasks as required

WIDER FOOD PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and implement programs for targeted participant groups. This will include, but not limited to, food skills, cooking with participants, and growing food.
• Assisting with sourcing, organizing and managing one or more of the seasonal Fresh Food For All Markets
• Takes responsibility for working with staff and leads to develop and track outcome measures for equipment use to conform with granting requirements
• Works with program staff and leads to coordinate the distribution and allocation of food infrastructure equipment.
• Consult and collaborate with other groups providing community food programs
• Work with Program staff to facilitate groups, building a safe and inclusive space for participants.
• Cultivate communication, leadership, and food skills amongst program participants and volunteers.
• Takes responsibility for the community garden project including volunteer management, ordering supplies and ongoing maintenance.
• Provides exceptional customer service during programs with business hours with customers and donors
• Assists with research and reporting and other administrative tasks as required.