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Food Access Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Rescue Program Coordinator

Saint Cloud, MN ยท On-site

$20.52 - $25.66/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary Catholic Charities seeks a Food Rescue Program Coordinator to support food access initiatives by coordinating food rescue and distribution operations, supervising staff and volunteers ...

New

Civic Works' Food and Farm Program works toward a just and sustainable food system by improving neighborhood access to healthy food, providing experience-based education, and developing an ...

Civic Works' Food and Farm Program works toward a just and sustainable food system by improving neighborhood access to healthy food, providing experience-based education, and developing an ...

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Food Access information

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$10

$24

$49

How much do food access jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for food access in the United States is $24.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food access job?

Food access jobs are roles focused on improving people's ability to obtain healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food. These positions can be found in non-profits, government agencies, community organizations, and sometimes private companies. Common responsibilities include coordinating food assistance programs, advocating for food policy changes, or managing food distribution efforts. People in these jobs work to address food insecurity and ensure that all community members have reliable access to nutritious food.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in food access roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Food Access roles often encounter challenges such as navigating complex food distribution networks, addressing logistical barriers in underserved communities, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders like local governments, nonprofits, and food suppliers. Overcoming these obstacles requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication to coordinate resources and advocate for community needs. Building strong partnerships and staying informed about available funding and policy changes can also help Food Access professionals address these challenges and make a lasting impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food access coordinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Access Coordinator, you need knowledge of public health, nutrition programs, and community outreach, often supported by a relevant degree or experience in social services. Familiarity with data management tools, grant writing, and local food systems is typically required. Strong skills in communication, cultural competency, and relationship-building help you effectively engage diverse communities and stakeholders. These skills are crucial for designing and implementing successful programs that address food insecurity and improve community well-being.

What is the difference between Food Access vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood AccessFood Service Worker
Required CredentialsNone or basic food handling certificationsFood handler permits, sometimes food safety certifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity programs, food banks, outreach settingsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, government agenciesHospitality, food service industry
Common Search & Comparison IntentFocus on food access programs and community outreachFocus on food preparation and customer service

Food Access roles primarily involve connecting underserved populations with food resources through outreach and program management, often within community or nonprofit settings. Food Service Worker roles focus on preparing, serving, and handling food in commercial or institutional environments. While both roles involve food handling, Food Access emphasizes community impact and program coordination, whereas Food Service Worker emphasizes direct food preparation and customer service.

More about Food Access jobs

What cities are hiring for Food Access jobs?

Cities with the most Food Access job openings:

What states have the most Food Access jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Access jobs include:

Infographic showing various Food Access job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,754 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Director of Partner Relations and Support

GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

The Director of Partner Relations and Support provides leadership for the Partner Relations team and plays a critical role in strengthening relationships with Food Depository partners to ensure effective, equitable, and quality food access across Cook County. This role is responsible for people leadership, operational oversight, program management and the successful execution of partner-facing initiatives and food-related projects aligned with organizational strategy.

The Director serves as a key collaborator and thought partner to the Senior Director of Partner Relations and Support, supporting the implementation of strategic priorities while ensuring day-to-day partner needs, projects, and relationship management are executed with excellence. While this role leads team operations and project execution, strategic direction and ownership of major initiatives remain with the Senior Director.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Partner Relations Leadership

  • Lead, coach, and develop the Partner Relations team to deliver consistent, high-quality support to Food Depository partners.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement focused on partner experience and community impact.
  • Ensure partner relationships are managed with consistency, respect, and alignment to Food Depository values and standards.

Partner Support & Food-Related Projects

  • Oversee the execution of food access programs and partner-facing projects, ensuring timely implementation and alignment with established goals.
  • Support food-related initiatives that strengthen partner capacity, improve food distribution models, and enhance service delivery across the network.
  • Collaborate with the Senior Director to advance equity-centered approaches in partner support and food access programming.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with internal teamsโ€”including Operations, Inventory Control, Procurement, Technology, Community Engagement, and Policy & Advocacy to coordinate partner and food-related initiatives.
  • Support organization-wide projects that require partner engagement, ensuring clear communication, implementation support, and issue resolution.
  • Serve as a connector between program strategy and operational execution.

Strategic Support & Thought Partnership

  • Act as a thought partner to the Senior Director of Partner Relations and Support by contributing insights, operational perspectives, and recommendations.
  • Support the planning and rollout of system enhancements, process improvements, and partner-facing tools (e.g., CRM, data systems).
  • Create and implement strategies that support and strengthen the capacity of our partner network, such as supporting the volunteer and training needs of our partners
  • Prepare summaries, updates, and performance insights related to partner relations and team outcomes for leadership review. ย 
  • Lead ongoing program review and optimization across key food access program models to ensure efficiency and delivering desired outcomes.

Performance & Quality Management

  • Ensure service standards, policies, and performance metrics are consistently followed across the Partner Relations team.
  • Identify trends, risks, and opportunities related to partner experience and recommend improvements.
  • Support continuous improvement efforts to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and partner satisfaction.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Leadership & People Management

  • Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
  • Strong coaching skills with experience managing complex workloads and priorities.
  • Ability to lead through change with clarity and empathy.

Relationship & Communication Skills

  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influence skills.
  • Proven ability to build trust with external partners and internal stakeholders.
  • Skilled at navigating difficult conversations and resolving issues professionally.

Strategic & Operational Thinking

  • Ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and oversee execution.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Comfortable operating in a complex, cross-functional environment.

Equity & Community-Centered Practice

  • Commitment to equity-centered approaches in food access, partner engagement, and service delivery.
  • Cultural humility and respect for community voice and lived experience.
  • Experience working in or alongside community-based organizations preferred.

Analytical & Systems Skills

  • Ability to interpret data, assess performance metrics, and identify improvement opportunities.
  • Experience supporting the implementation or use of technology systems to improve partner experience.

Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Equivalent experience or Bachelorโ€™s degree required; Masterโ€™s degree preferred
  • Minimum of 7โ€“10 years of progressively responsible experience in partner relations, community engagement, social services, program management, or a related field.
  • Prior experience leading teams and managing cross-functional projects.
  • Experience in food access, nonprofit, or community-based organizations strongly preferred.

Benefits

โ€ข Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
โ€ข Employer-paid life and disability insurance
โ€ข Employee Assistance Program
โ€ข 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
โ€ข Generous paid time off
โ€ข Parental leave
โ€ข On-site gym
โ€ข $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
โ€ข $250 employee referral bonus