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Food Rescue Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Full Time Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

... food, clothing, shelter and life recovery support for men, women and children in desperate need. With seven ministry centers around Des Moines, our goal is to provide rescue, recovery and restoration ...

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Weekend Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

... food, clothing, shelter and life recovery support for men, women and children in desperate need. With seven ministry centers around Des Moines, our goal is to provide rescue, recovery and restoration ...

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear a team member assisting a neighbor in choosing between three very good natural dog food brands

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear a team member assisting a neighbor in choosing between three very good natural dog food brands

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear a team member assisting a neighbor in choosing between three very good natural dog food brands

Caseworker

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$21 - $22.80/hr

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping ... food, medical care, and access to transportation, and is oriented to their new environment.

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear a team member assisting a neighbor in choosing between three very good natural dog food brands

Food Rescue information

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 Iowa?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Food Rescue job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Full Time Cook

Hope Ministries

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

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Key responsibilities

  • Prepare well-balanced, nutritional meals and ensure they are enjoyable and well presented.

  • Supervise and direct kitchen work skills participants and ensure compliance with health and food regulations.

  • Inventory, store, and rotate food stocks, report needed supplies, and address equipment or facility issues.


Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Cook’s purpose is to prepare meals & manage work skills participants; teaching them in the proper preparation of nutritional, well-balanced family meals, and to maintain proper cleanliness of kitchen, dining and food storage areas according to industry standards and state regulations.  The kitchen needs to demonstrate God’s love in practical, tangible ways.  The cook is the point person to facilitate well-balanced, nutritious meals that are well presented and good tasting.    

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

-  Work in a spirit of cooperation and mutual assistance with all other staff members

-  Plan menus and prepare well balanced, nutritional meals incorporating both donated food items and purchased inventory.

-  Ensure that meals are enjoyable.

-  Value all donated product according to guidelines and report that to the Food Services Manager.

-  Supervise and direct kitchen work skills participants.

-  Ensure that the Food Service department abides by all health and food regulations

-  Properly inventory, store and rotate food stocks and related food service items

-  Attend staff meetings as directed.

-  Notify the Food Services Manager of needed supplies and food items to be ordered

-  Immediately report any equipment or facility problems to Food Services Manager

-  Ensure that all people are treated with courtesy and respect.

-  Participate in the spiritual growth and Christian instruction of those whom Hope Ministries serves.  This can include (but is not restricted to) personal mentoring, the sharing of Scripture and Biblical encouragement, and praying with program participants.  This may be in a structured setting (i.e., a classroom or chapel), or unstructured, with individual clients as the need arises.

-  Actively contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff, clients, and visitors. This includes adhering to established safety protocols, promptly reporting any safety concerns or incidents, and supporting organizational efforts to foster a culture of safety and security.

-  On an as needed basis, drive ministry vehicle to pick up donated food items and cook across multiple campuses beyond primary location.

-  Perform all other duties as assigned by Food Services Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Needs to have knowledge of institutional cooking for groups of 100 or more and the ability to do the necessary functions.

-  Must possess a valid driver’s license.

-  Must understand and agree with Hope Ministries' Mission Statement, Core Values, and Statement of Faith.

Reports to:  Food Services Manager

 

Salaried/Exempt _____                                                      Hourly/Non-exempt _X_

   

Work Schedule:  This is a full-time position working 40 hours/week.  The direct supervisor of this position is the Food Services Manager.

Monday-Friday 9:30AM-6:00PM with a 30 minute lunch break. Working holidays as required, such as: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

Company Description

Hope Ministries provides food, clothing, shelter and life recovery support for men, women and children in desperate need. With seven ministry centers around Des Moines, our goal is to provide rescue, recovery and restoration to change people’s lives forever.