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Food Program Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Belgian Yum

Institutional Food Program Specialist

Napa, CA · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

As an Institutional Food Program Specialist , you will support Belgian Yum's expansion into schools ... school districts * Assist with compliance initiatives Support nutritional documentation and ...

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Salvation Army

Program Assistant - On Call

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$44K - $56K/yr

The Program Assistant assists in providing our clients a safe environment so they can begin ... food and electronics * Enforce house rules, procedures, and protocols for clients * Distribute ...

Living at Reflections

Program Assistant (Weekend)

Novato, CA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

Reflections specializes in dual-diagnosis programs that focus on mental health, which drives ... Support Culinary Department as needed (i.e., load/unload dishwasher, assist in food preparation ...

Living at Reflections

Program Assistant (Weekend)

Novato, CA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

Reflections specializes in dual-diagnosis programs that focus on mental health, which drives ... Support Culinary Department as needed (i.e., load/unload dishwasher, assist in food preparation ...

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All JobsFood Program JobsFood Program Assistant JobsFood Program Assistant Jobs in California

Food Program Assistant information

What is the difference between Food Program Assistant vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood Program AssistantFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require food safety certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, government programs, community centersRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & IndustryPublic health agencies, community programsFood service industry, hospitality
Job FocusAssisting with food program administration, client support, and compliancePreparing, serving, and cleaning up food in a service setting

While both roles involve working with food, the Food Program Assistant primarily supports food assistance programs and administrative tasks, whereas the Food Service Worker focuses on food preparation and service in a direct customer-facing environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Program jobs in California?

The most popular types of Food Program jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Food Program Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Food Program Assistant job openings:

Food Program Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Program Assistant job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Senior Food Program Coordinator

Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is currently hiring for a full-time, hourly, non-exempt and benefited, Senior Food Program Coordinator at our Murphy Canyon location.
About the San Diego Food Bank
Established in 1977, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is a critical component to the welfare of San Diego County, providing nutritious food to people in need, advocating for the hungry and educating the public about hunger-related issues. For more information about the organization, please visit www.sandiegofoodbank.org.
Our Mission:
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and our North County Food Bank Chapter provide nutritious food to people in need, advocate for the hungry, and educate the public about hunger-related issues.
Did you know?
  • The San Diego Food Bank is the largest hunger relief organization in the county, feeding over 400,000 people every month in partnership with more than 450 nonprofit community partners.
  • We are the fourth largest independent food bank in the country.
  • We distributed 52 million pounds of food in 2025; more than 48% of that food being fresh produce.
  • We have a Four-Star rating on Charity Navigator.

We are committed to innovation and sustainability to reduce our impact on the environment. We have 1,400 solar panels, we are LEED v4 Gold Certified, we have a 3,600 sq. ft composting and recycling center that houses our recycling and composting machine and received the 2020 Business Waste Reduction & Recycling award.
Position Purpose
Under the direct supervision of the CSFP Supervisor, the CSFP Coordinator is responsible for a range of routine to moderately complex administrative and program-related tasks that support the operations of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. This role focuses on managing the USDA's Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) in accordance with California Department of Social Services (CDSS) guidelines and the Food Bank’s internal policies.
The CSFP Coordinator supports the Senior Food Program (CSFP) by ensuring smooth, safe, and compliant food distributions for seniors across San Diego County. This role involves registering participants, checking eligibility, coordinating distribution logistics and maintaining accurate records while fostering a positive experience for seniors at drive-through and walk-up distributions. The CSFP Coordinator works collaboratively with volunteers, distribution site liaisons and San Diego Food Bank drivers to deliver exceptional service to the community. Additionally, the Coordinator and team work to increase program participation among eligible seniors through targeted outreach initiatives and provides timely customer service and support to both prospective and current participants. 
Primary Responsibilities
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this position. All duties are expected to be performed in accordance with existing company policy and procedure. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Participant Services and Enrollment
  • Register and assist seniors in signing up for monthly Senior Food Program (CSFP) food boxes.
  • Verify participant eligibility and check-in seniors at distributions using the approved system.
  • Provide interpretation and assistance to ensure accessibility to program information and services.

Distribution Coordination
  • Support and coordinate distribution models, including drive-through and walk-up formats.
  • Assist with the setup and breakdown of distribution areas, ensuring safety, orderliness and cleanliness.
  • Distribute culturally and linguistically appropriate materials targeting diverse communities, including Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chaldean/Middle Eastern-speaking groups.

Volunteer and Partner Engagement
  • Work closely with volunteers and contracted interpreters to ensure smooth distribution operations.
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with distribution site liaisons to facilitate seamless participant experiences.
  • Recruit, train, support nonprofit staff, volunteers and interns to increase program awareness and participation.

Outreach and Education
  • Organize and conduct program presentations, enrollment clinics, workshops and training sessions for community-based partners.
  • Develop and distribute program materials to expand outreach and participation.
  • Create and establish partnerships to meet or exceed monthly program caseload goals.

Administrative and Reporting Duties
  • Maintain accurate records, including participant registrations, contact information and services provided.
  • Perform daily inventory reconciliation for distributed food boxes and participant signatures.
  • Process monthly invoices for distributed CSFP boxes.
  • Assist in program follow-ups, ensuring participant needs are addressed and advocacy provided as necessary.

Program Development
  • Collaborate on initiatives to enhance the Senior Food Program, including health and nutrition components.
  • Refer participants to other food assistance programs, such as CalFresh, EFAP and Neighborhood Distribution sites.
  • Contribute to new efforts aimed at increasing countywide participation in the program.

Other Duties
  • Participate in Food Bank events and activities, such as Food Bank University and volunteer recognition events.
  • Operate company vehicles, electric pallet jacks, and other essential equipment as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the CSFP Coordinator role is passionate about making a difference in their community, with a particular drive to serve and support senior citizens. They thrive in dynamic environments where no two days are the same, enjoying the variety that comes with engaging different clients, distributions and cities across San Diego County. With a strong commitment to the mission and vision of the San Diego Food Bank, they are motivated to fight hunger and build stronger communities.
This candidate has experience working in community-facing nonprofit organizations and excels at providing exceptional customer service. They are skilled at interacting with diverse stakeholders, both within the organization and the broader community, and are adept at fostering collaboration across departments and teams. Enthusiastic and adaptable, they bring a positive energy to their work and are ready to embrace the unique challenges and opportunities of this impactful role.
Education, Training and Experience
A typical way of obtaining the necessary education, training, and experience for this position includes:
  • Graduation from high school or G.E.D equivalent or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge and skills.
  • Minimum 1-3 years of experience in programs, food assistance, or similar programmatic non-profit roles, strongly preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and community partners.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Knowledge of:  
  • Windows Operating Systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel and Word).
  • Public speaking principles and practices; and/or customer service skills.
  • Safety regulations, safe work practices and safety equipment related to the position.

Ability to:
  • Learn applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, and program related/contract guidelines within areas of responsibility.
  • Interpret and explain program guidelines, policies and procedures.
  • Operate a computer using word processing, spreadsheet and database software applications.
  • Learn the Primarius inventory tracking system and Oasis Insight participant database.
  • Operate other standard office equipment.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Utilize effective reflective listening skills with program participants.
  • Exercise tact, objectivity, sensitivity, strategy, and sound judgment with a variety of people in a variety of situations, primarily seniors with special attention to potential deficits in hearing, memory, and cognitive ability.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with distribution host sites, representatives of community organizations and other Food Bank staff.
  • Manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks with frequent interruptions.
  • Meet intensive and changing deadlines and interact with officials, staff and the public.
  • Understand and follow written and oral instructions.

Licenses, Certificates, Special Requirements
  • Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation, as some local travel may be required.
  • Distributions are held across San Diego County which will require some travel. This also requires ability to be in a variety of environments including outdoor, indoor, and warehouse environments.
  • Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. and work in varying weather conditions.
  • Bilingual, preferred (Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, or Chaldean/Middle Eastern languages)
  • Food Handler’s Card (can be obtained after employment)

Compensation
This is a full-time, non-exempt, hourly, benefited position.
  • A market-level competitive salary is between $26.00 - $31.00  per hour based on experience and qualifications. 
  • The compensation package includes a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including: 403(b) plan with 200% employer matching; excellent health care coverage with free employee medical, dental and vision plans; company paid term life insurance; and a generous accrual of paid vacation and sick leave.

Work Schedule
  • Monday – Friday  from 7:30am – 4:30pm for administrative days. Due to varying distribution start times and locations, start times could vary between 4:15 AM – 7:30 AM.
  • Occasional overtime is required, based on business needs.

How to Apply
  • Interested and qualified candidates should apply below.
  • Submissions missing a resume will not be considered for the position.
  • Background check and drug test are required for the position before employment starts.

 

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