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Food Rescue Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Order Fulfillment Team Member

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Company Description Feeding San Diego is a non-profit organization on a mission to connect every person facing hunger with nutritious meals by maximizing food rescue. Established in 2007, Feeding San ...

Kitchen Manager

Oxnard, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Summary The Kitchen Manager oversees all kitchen operations, food services, and culinary training activities for Rescue Mission Alliance Ventura County. This role manages a high-volume kitchen that ...

Social Media Specialist

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Company Description Feeding San Diego is a non-profit organization on a mission to connect every person facing hunger with nutritious meals by maximizing food rescue. Established in 2007, Feeding San ...

Social Media Specialist

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Company Description Feeding San Diego is a non-profit organization on a mission to connect every person facing hunger with nutritious meals by maximizing food rescue. Established in 2007, Feeding San ...

COOK

Sylmar, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $21.40/hr

Union Rescue Mission (URM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the Los Angeles ... Food prepared must meet quality and Serve-safe standards for taste, temperature (doneness) and ...

Dishwasher/Food preparer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pet rescue reimbursement and pet insurance * Flexible return to work schedule for maternity leave ... Perform basic culinary food preparation and other duties as assigned. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Operate ...

Pet rescue reimbursement and pet insurance * Flexible return to work schedule for maternity leave ... Perform basic culinary food preparation and other duties as assigned. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Operate ...

Organization The Rescue Mission Alliance (RMA) is a Christian non-profit organization that has been ... The Valley Food Bank (VFB), an outreach ministry of RMA is a Christian non-profit organization ...

Part-Time Driver

Oxnard, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $22.88/hr

Organization The Rescue Mission Alliance (RMA) is a Christian non-profit organization that has been ... The Valley Food Bank (VFB), an outreach ministry of RMA is a Christian non-profit organization ...

Part-Time Driver

Oxnard, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $22.88/hr

Organization The Rescue Mission Alliance (RMA) is a Christian non-profit organization that has been ... The Valley Food Bank (VFB), an outreach ministry of RMA is a Christian non-profit organization ...

Retail Stock Clerk - Roseville

Roseville, CA ยท On-site

$17.70 - $18.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Opportunities to make an impact in the community through the Pet Food Express Pet Fair, in-store fundraisers and adoption events benefiting local rescue and shelter partners, and more! The salary ...

Retail Stock Clerk - Montclair

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$17.70 - $18.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Opportunities to make an impact in the community through the Pet Food Express Pet Fair, in-store fundraisers and adoption events benefiting local rescue and shelter partners, and more! The salary ...

Retail Stock Clerk - Montclair

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$17.70 - $18.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Opportunities to make an impact in the community through the Pet Food Express Pet Fair, in-store fundraisers and adoption events benefiting local rescue and shelter partners, and more! The salary ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Rescue information

See California salary details

$7

$17

$22

How much do food rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for food rescue in California is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food rescue?

Food rescue is the process of recovering surplus edible food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributing it to people in need. Organizations and volunteers collect excess food from sources such as grocery stores, restaurants, and farms, ensuring that it is still safe for consumption. This helps reduce food waste, supports those facing food insecurity, and benefits the environment by minimizing landfill use. Food rescue programs play a vital role in promoting sustainability and social good within communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food rescue coordinator?

To thrive as a Food Rescue Coordinator, you need strong organizational skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and experience in logistics or supply chain management, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with inventory management software, scheduling tools, and food handling certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities help coordinate with donors, volunteers, and recipient organizations. These competencies ensure efficient, safe, and effective food redistribution to reduce waste and support communities in need.

What are the typical challenges faced in a food rescue role, and how can I best prepare for them?

In a Food Rescue position, you'll often encounter challenges such as coordinating complex logistics, ensuring food safety during transportation, and communicating effectively with donors and recipient organizations. Being adaptable and organized is key, as food pickups and deliveries may need to be scheduled on short notice. Developing strong relationships with partners and staying up-to-date on food safety practices will help you succeed. Additionally, you'll frequently work as part of a team, so collaboration and clear communication are essential for overcoming daily obstacles.

What is the difference between Food Rescue vs Food Distribution Coordinator?

AspectFood RescueFood Distribution Coordinator
Required CredentialsVolunteer or basic food handling certificationsFood safety certifications, logistics experience
Work EnvironmentNonprofit, community-based settingsFood banks, distribution centers
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, food rescue organizationsFood banks, charitable organizations

Food Rescue focuses on collecting surplus food to prevent waste, often involving volunteers and nonprofit settings. Food Distribution Coordinators manage the logistics of distributing food to those in need, requiring more formal certifications and organizational skills. Both roles are vital in the food assistance industry but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Food Rescue jobs in California?

For Food Rescue jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Rescue jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Rescue jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Food Rescue jobs?

Cities in California with the most Food Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Rescue job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,528 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Order Fulfillment Team Member

Feeding San Diego

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Feeding San Diego is a non-profit organization on a mission to connect every person facing hunger with nutritious meals by maximizing food rescue. Established in 2007, Feeding San Diego rescues surplus food from local and national food donors before it goes to waste and gets it to people facing hunger in San Diego County. It is the only Feeding America partner food bank in the region.
Feeding San Diego is dedicated to building a team that reflects the diverse county we serve, including those with varying backgrounds and life experiences. Applicants who strengthen our team through personal knowledge of poverty and food insecurity, as well as members of marginalized groups, are encouraged to apply.
Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Order Fulfillment Manager, the Order Fulfillment Team Member will provide operational and administrative support in the safe distribution of food. This includes order pulling duties, and cleaning duties as well as assisting the Order Fulfillment Manager in information management for all distribution of food and non-food items. These tasks are to be completed in accordance with all personal safety and food safety regulations. The Order Fulfillment Team Member may be required to complete other tasks as assigned by the Order Fulfillment Manager in support of Feeding San Diego's mission.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Successful job performance is evaluated based on an individual being able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The tasks listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The following duties and responsibilities are those considered to be essential but do not represent all the job functions that may be required to be performed by this position.
  • Pull daily orders based on pick lists and stage completed orders in lanes based on order specific instructions and outgoing truck schedule.
  • Load trucks using a Pallet Jack/forklift while utilizing strict adherence to Distribution Center Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Provide operational support to volunteer staff by stocking volunteer area with products using an electric pallet jack or forklift.
  • Perform daily inspection of equipment based on check sheet.
  • Maintain accurate and complete recordkeeping (i.e. temperature logs, donation receipts, maintenance logs, etc.), according to FSD requirements.
  • Lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Pack bags of produce to prepare for distribution based on daily need and SOP's.
  • Ensure first-class customer service with community partners, member agencies and volunteers.
  • Communicate with the Order Fulfillment and other Distribution Center staff regarding inventory variances or breaches of internal controls and procedures.
  • Perform general cleaning tasks as assigned by cleaning schedules and SOPs, using floor scrubber as needed.
  • Help to establish a continuously food safe Distribution Center by ensuring that all processes are maintained based on cleaning standards.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Order Fulfillment Manager.

INTERACTION
The position will interact closely with all Distribution Center staff, volunteers, agency representatives, FSD staff and others from the community.
Qualifications
EDUCATION/ YEARS EXPERIENCE
Any combination of educational and work experience that would be equivalent to the preferred education/experience would qualify for consideration of this position.
Minimum:
  • Experience working in a Distribution Center environment

Preferred:
  • High School diploma or GED
  • 2 years of experience working in a Distribution Center environment including shipping/receiving, material handling, multi-tasking, and the preparation and maintenance of reports and records
  • Food handler's safety certificate
  • Experience using a forklift
  • Success using an inventory system

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • General food storage processes, record keeping and filing systems, basic mathematical functions.
  • Operate a pallet jack and dolly safely
  • Operate a forklift safely
  • Lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Perform tasks in Microsoft Word and Excel at an intermediate level
  • Communicate orally and by writing in English
  • Organize work for others
  • Learn new technology
  • Exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines without close supervision
  • Show integrity to complete tasks according to standard operating procedures with little supervision
  • Work with others who are from diverse backgrounds
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, volunteers, partners, and clients.
  • Sense and abate safety hazards

Tools and Equipment Used
Electric pallet jack, forklift, manual pallet jack, dolly, computer, multi-line phone, copier, printer
LICENSES/ CERTIFICATIONS
Must have reliable transportation. Must be able to obtain and keep electric pallet jack and forklift certifications (training will be provided).
PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee will be asked to successfully perform to fulfill the essential functions of this job. If requested, reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly expected to:
  • Perform work in a warehouse, which may occasionally create exposure to dust and pollen.
  • Perform work in a cooler and freezer.
  • Remain in a stationary position for extended periods, walk, bend at the waist and knees, kneel, and use hands, arms and legs for dexterity
  • Maintain balance
  • Regularly lift, carry, and balance objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Pull and push such objects as file drawers and supplies.
  • The noise level in the work environment varies and can be considered moderate.

Additional Information
Feeding San Diego provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
PAY & HOURS
$22 - $23 / hour; Monday - Friday 5am - 1:30pm
Why You'll Love It Here
  • Employer sponsored healthcare benefits at platinum level for medical
  • 401K retirement plan with company matching
  • Flexible work environment; Attractive, welcoming office
  • Supportive time off policies including vacation, sick, & company holidays; accrue 20 days of PTO in first year
  • Learning & development and recognition programs
  • Your work has a real purpose and will help change lives in San Diego County.
  • Supportive and engaged Board of Directors
  • You'll be part of a fun, supportive team that works hard and celebrates accomplishments together.
  • We live by our core values: Agility, Stewardship, Collaboration, Environment, Nutrition & Dignity.
  • 100% of our workforce believes in our mission and vision
  • Commitment to Sustainability - We prioritize food rescue to feed people not landfills. Food waste goes to local hog farms.

Videos To Watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DewmoXd1cE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIR7TrtSFBE&t=65s