Food Insecurity Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company Description:

Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness is a San Francisco-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating health inequities and improving the lives of Black, African American, and marginalized communities in the Bay Area. For over 35 years, we have provided a safe, welcoming space where health, healing, and hope come together. We offer a holistic range of services, including free and low-cost health screenings, HIV prevention and care, mental health counseling, housing and economic support, fitness classes, and nutrition programs. Guided by a belief that wellness is more than the absence of illness, we embrace a whole-person approach that honors the cultural, social, and emotional needs of our community.

At Rafiki, we are more than a service provider. We are a trusted partner, advocate, and resource. Our work is rooted in compassion, cultural humility, and a commitment to social justice. Every day, our team stands with our community to dismantle barriers, amplify voices, and create pathways to health and opportunity.

If you're looking to join a mission-driven organization where your work directly empowers individuals and strengthens communities, Rafiki Coalition is the place to make a meaningful impact

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Food Justice Coordinator is responsible for leading, coordinating, and advancing Rafiki Coalition's food justice initiatives and food access programs. This position serves as a key connector between community members, partner organizations, volunteers, and staff to strengthen equitable, culturally responsive, and community-driven food systems.

The Food Justice Coordinator is a passionate and community-centered leader who works to expand equitable access to healthy, culturally responsive food while advancing food justice, food sovereignty, and community wellness. The position is responsible for coordinating programs that address immediate food needs while supporting long-term, sustainable solutions that empower communities to shape their own food systems and improve health outcomes.

The position is allocated approximately 50% to the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of food justice initiatives, including community food distribution, community gardens, food education, volunteer engagement, outreach activities, partnership development, and food policy efforts. The remaining 50% of the position supports the operations, logistics, and coordination of Rafiki's Community Food Market, Feeding 5000 and other food access programs.

Working closely with community partners, residents, volunteers, and organizational leadership, the Food Justice Coordinator promotes community wellness, strengthens neighborhood food security, and advances Rafiki Coalition's mission of creating healthier, more equitable communities through community-driven solutions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Justice Program Leadership

• Lead implementation of food justice and food sovereignty initiatives.
• Coordinate community food access, education, and gardening programs.
• Develop strategies to address food insecurity and health inequities.
• Support community-driven solutions that strengthen local food systems.
• Identify opportunities to expand food justice programming and impact.
• Ensure programs align with Rafiki Coalition's mission and goals.

Food Distribution and Food Access Programs

• Oversee community food market, produce distribution, and prepared meal programs.
• Manage participant intake, enrollment, and eligibility processes.
• Coordinate food procurement, inventory, and distribution logistics.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and handling requirements.
• Monitor service delivery and address operational challenges.
• Support equitable access to culturally responsive food resources.

Community Outreach and Engagement

• Develop and implement outreach strategies to reach priority populations.
• Build relationships with residents, community organizations, and faith partners.
• Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers.
• Represent Rafiki Coalition at community meetings and events.
• Promote participation in food justice and food access programs.
• Facilitate community engagement and feedback opportunities.

Partnership Development and Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison for food justice partnerships.
• Coordinate activities with community-based organizations and agencies.
• Facilitate partner meetings and collaborative planning efforts.
• Maintain strong communication among program stakeholders.
• Support development and implementation of partnership agreements.
• Strengthen collaborative efforts that advance food equity goals.

Data Collection, Reporting, and Evaluation

• Track program participation, outcomes, and performance measures.
• Maintain accurate program records and databases.
• Support grant reporting and compliance requirements.
• Collect participant feedback and community impact data.
• Analyze program results to inform continuous improvement.
• Assist with evaluation and sustainability planning.

Food Policy and Advocacy

• Monitor food policy issues affecting community food access.
• Participate in coalitions and advocacy initiatives.
• Promote awareness of food justice and food sovereignty principles.
• Support community education on systemic food inequities.
• Advocate for policies that strengthen equitable food systems.
• Represent Rafiki Coalition in food justice and policy discussions.

Requirements:

REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Community Development, Nutrition, Social Work, Food Systems, Agriculture, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two or more years of experience in community-based programs, food access programs, food banking, public health, community organizing, or related work.
• Experience coordinating volunteers, community events, or outreach activities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic database systems.
• Valid California driver's license and ability to travel locally with clean driving record

PREFERRED

• Experience working in food justice, food sovereignty, urban agriculture, community gardens, or nutrition education.
• Food safety certification or willingness to obtain certification.
• Experience working with grant-funded programs.
• Multilingual abilities, particularly languages commonly spoken within the communities served.
• Experience working with faith-based and community-based organizations.

Additional Information:

Reports To: This position will initially report to the Executive Director, however eventually will report to a Director.
FLSA Status

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout food distribution and garden sites.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to travel between program locations throughout San Francisco.

Application Instructions:

Along with your resume, a complete application will include a cover letter explaining the following:

• Why you are interested in this position
• Why you are interested in Rafiki
• What makes you qualified for the position

Compensation details: 70500-80000 Yearly Salary

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