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Food Rescue Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Caseworker

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$21 - $22.80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

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Weekend Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Assistant Store Team Leader- Fleur

Des Moines, IA

$15.50 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

Assistant Store Team Leader- Fleur

Des Moines, IA

$15.50 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

Assistant Store Team Leader- Fleur

Des Moines, IA

$15.50 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

Assistant Store Team Leader- Fleur

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

Assistant Store Team Leader

Fort Dodge, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

Assistant Store Team Leader

Ames, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

Assistant Store Team Leader

Fort Dodge, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

Assistant Store Team Leader

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

Assistant Store Team Leader

Ames, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

Assistant Store Team Leader

Ames, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

Assistant Store Team Leader

Ames, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

Assistant Store Team Leader

Ames, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

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Showing results 1-20

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.

Food Security and Accessibility Specialist- Through AmeriCorps

Impact Community Action Partnership Inc

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Program Name: Iowa Community Corps

Host Site: IMPACT Community Action Partnership

Service Location: Des Moines, IA

Start Date: 9/25/2026 End Date: 6/17/2027;

Member Term: Three Quarter

Time Living Allowance amt: $16,000


** If interested in applying, please follow this link! Member Application


Position Summary: The Iowa Community Corps AmeriCorps program is a statewide effort to strengthen communities through increased access to resources to support health and wellbeing. AmeriCorps members serve directly with local organizations to expand their ability to reach and support the people they serve, while gaining professional training to launch or grow a career in community health. IMPACT Community Action Partnership is dedicated to reducing the barriers families in poverty face across five Central Iowa counties. IMPACT provides housing support, food access, utility assistance, and connection to essential resources, while also advocating for long-term systemic change. IMPACT operates three food pantries- and rising demand, diverse customer needs, and increasing donations at the Drake Neighborhood location have created new opportunities to strengthen operations and improve access for all. As the Food Security & Accessibility Specialist, you'll help expand pantry capacity, improve culturally inclusive service delivery, and increase access to food supports across both urban and rural communities.


Schedule: Member will serve approximately 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, between 8am-4:30pm.


AmeriCorps Member Activities:


Training & Onboarding

Learn the full range of IMPACT programs and services

Welcome customers, complete intakes for food pantry, personal pantry, and Anytime Shelves

Escort families through pantry services using supportive, culturally sensitive practices

Build professional boundaries and learn de-escalation skills to support customer interactions

Gain an understanding of the history of Community Action, poverty causes, and IMPACT's strategic planning system (EOS) Support Households


Support Households Accessing Food Services

  • Complete daily food pantry tasks such as temperature logs, inventory checks, deliveries, organizing donations, and supporting volunteers
  • Provide welcoming, knowledgeable assistance to households engaging in Food Pantry, Personal Pantry, and Anytime Shelves services
  • Support food rescue logistics and donation pickups (as appropriate based on comfort and policy)
  • Develop a resource list to strengthen food access in rural counties
  • Attend outreach events with staff to help connect communities-especially rural residents-to IMPACT's food and support services


Improve Accessibility & Service Delivery at the Drake Neighborhood Office

  • Identify barriers non-English speaking customers face when accessing food services
  • Propose service delivery improvements that enhance accessibility and customer experience
  • Document sustainability challenges for Anytime Shelves and provide related recommendations
  • Work with staff to pilot new service delivery tools, such as intake kiosks
  • Visit other DMARC Food Pantries to learn about best practices in accessibility and capacity-aware service models


Desired Skills/Qualifications:

  • Ability to lift 50lbs
  • Read, write, type, and communicate in English
  • Experience or interest in cultural humility
  • Experience in customer service
  • Tech literacy or trainability