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Food Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salvation Army

Food Program Specialist

Oakland, CA · On-site

Coordinate the Food Recovery program * Coordinate daily food donation deliveries * Drive to various locations to collect donations * Receive, sort, and weigh incoming donations * Monitor food ...

Montessori Association of Covina

Be Seen First

Food Service Worker

Pomona, CA · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Food Service Coordinator, Site Supervisor, Program Director, Administrator FLSA Status: EXEMPT General Summary FOOD SERVICE WORKER Under the direction of a Food Service Supervisor, Site Supervisor ...

OpenAI

Global Food Operations Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$158K - $175K/yr

About the Team The Global Food team is responsible for designing, operating, and scaling OpenAI's food program across offices worldwide. The team partners closely with Workplace, Finance, Real Estate ...

Horsefeather

Food Runner

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$18.20/hr

Join Our Team as a Food Runner - Support an Exceptional Guest Experience About the Position The ... Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Horsefeather Palo Alto is an extension of the original ...

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All JobsFood Program JobsFood Program Jobs in California

Food Program information

See California salary details

$21.2K

$45.1K

$62.2K

How much do food program jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for food program in California is $45,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $46,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Program Manager, you need expertise in nutrition, food safety regulations, program management, and typically a degree in nutrition, public health, or a related field. Familiarity with meal planning software, inventory management systems, and compliance certifications such as ServSafe are often required. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills help in coordinating teams, interacting with stakeholders, and addressing community needs. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and impactful food service operations that meet both regulatory standards and the nutritional needs of participants.

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

AspectFood ProgramFood Service Worker
CredentialsMay require certifications in nutrition, food safety, or program managementTypically requires food safety training or certification
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, government agencies, non-profitsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services, institutional kitchens
Employer & IndustryNon-profit organizations, government agencies, educational institutionsPrivate restaurants, cafeterias, hospitality industry
Job FocusProgram planning, community outreach, nutrition educationFood preparation, serving, customer service

While both roles involve food handling, Food Program positions focus on managing and implementing food-related initiatives within communities or organizations, often requiring specialized certifications. Food Service Workers primarily handle food preparation and service in commercial or institutional settings. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a Food Program, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Food Programs often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple suppliers, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and managing tight budgets while meeting nutritional standards. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and staying up-to-date with food safety guidelines are essential to overcoming these obstacles. Collaborating closely with team members and stakeholders can also help streamline operations and ensure the program runs smoothly.

What is a Food Program?

A Food Program refers to a structured initiative, often run by governments, schools, or non-profit organizations, designed to provide meals or nutritional assistance to specific populations. These programs aim to address food insecurity, ensure access to healthy food, and promote overall well-being. Common examples include school lunch programs, food banks, and supplemental nutrition assistance programs. Food Programs may target children, low-income families, seniors, or communities affected by emergencies.
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 are popular job titles related to Food Program jobs in California? For Food Program jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Program jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Food Program jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Food Program jobs? Cities in California with the most Food Program job openings:
Food Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Program job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,123 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Food Program Specialist

Food Program Specialist

Salvation Army

Oakland, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Salvation Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 343 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

473rd of 679 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

The Salvation Army Mission Statement:
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
BASIC PURPOSE
The purpose of the Food Program Specialist position is to provide coordinate the Food Recovery and Food Pantry program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Coordinate the Food Recovery program
  2. Coordinate daily food donation deliveries
  3. Drive to various locations to collect donations
  4. Receive, sort, and weigh incoming donations
  5. Monitor food donations according to food safety standards and policies
  6. Maintain gifts-in-kind donation records
  7. Coordinate Food Pantry program
  8. Manage intake and program eligibility
  9. Maintain inventory of food products, equipment and supplies
  10. Operate and maintain the box truck and any other assigned vehicles
  11. Collaborate with local partner agencies and businesses to ensure program continuity
  12. Serve on the Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team
  13. Coordinate assigned volunteers
  14. Participate in program and agency trainings as assigned
  15. Maintain accurate participant records in various information management systems; and generate reports as requested
  16. Maintain and execute confidential information according to HIPPA standards
  17. Maintain a highly detailed and organized filling system
  18. Ensure intake and care procedures utilize harm reduction and trauma informed care principles
  19. Check and respond to emails and voicemails on a regular basis
  20. Adhere to confidentiality standards
  21. Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS
  1. Ability to speak and write the English language at a high and professional level
  2. High degree of confidentiality
  3. Able to endorse and promote The Salvation Army's mission
  4. Demonstrate experience in food service, inventory management, warehousing, social service/work and/or related experience preferred
  5. Demonstrate experience in driving DOT Regulated Non-CDL vehicles (i.e. box trucks).
  6. Demonstrate experience in operating forklifts.
  7. Computer literate, in Windows environment (Microsoft Office), Word, Excel and Outlook preferred
  8. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  9. Excellent and professional telephone etiquette and presence
  10. Excellent organizational skills
  11. Strong ability to utilize a high level of time management and handling multiple tasks

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
  1. High school diploma
  2. Must possess ServSafe Food Handler certification
  3. Must possess a valid California Class C Driver License, and ability to drive a Salvation Army vehicle
  4. Must be 21 years or older
  5. Complete The Salvation Army vehicle course training
  6. Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check to include a DOJ Livescan Fingerprint check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  1. Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis
  2. Ability to grasp, push, and/or pull objects
  3. Ability to reach overhead
  4. Ability to operate telephone
  5. Ability to lift up to 50-70 lbs.
  6. Ability to operate a computer
  7. Ability to process written, visual, and/or verbal information
  8. Ability to operate basic office equipment and tools PC, Fax Machine, Telephone, Calculator, Copier, Printer.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed would not result in undue hardship.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Salvation Army employees say

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About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

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