1

Food Rescue Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

This person helps dispatch and support volunteers for their daily food rescue assignments, serves as a primary point of contact for route-related communications, and ensures volunteers have the ...

Be Seen First

Full Time Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15 - $17/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 ...

Be Seen First

Weekend Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15 - $17/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 ...

Be Seen First

... 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 ...

Food Rescue information

See Iowa salary details

$7

$16

$21

How much do food rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for food rescue in Iowa is $16.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A food rescue coordinator or manager can potentially earn around $10,000 a month through experience, leadership skills, and overseeing large-scale operations. These roles often require strong organizational abilities, knowledge of food safety, and effective logistics management but may not require a formal degree. High earnings are typically associated with senior positions or those managing multiple sites or organizations.

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 food job pays the most?

In the food industry, executive chef positions tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $70,000 annually, especially in high-end restaurants or hotel settings. Other well-paying roles include food service directors and culinary managers, who oversee operations and budgets, requiring leadership skills and experience. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and the size of the establishment.

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

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 qualifications do you need for a food bank?

Food rescue roles at food banks typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, physical ability to lift and move food, and good organizational skills. Some positions may also require background checks and training on food safety and handling procedures.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs related to food rescue are rare, but roles such as executive chefs, restaurant owners, or specialized consultants in the food industry can sometimes earn $2,000 or more per day, especially with experience and in high-end establishments. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and significant responsibility, and income can vary based on location and business success.

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 popular job titles related to Food Rescue jobs in Iowa? For Food Rescue jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Food Rescue job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 19% Full Time, 78% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,813 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Route Support Associate

Route Support Associate

Table to Table

Iowa City, IA

$15 - $18/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Route Operations Specialist Position Overview:

Looking for a part-time gig in IOWA CITY with a local nonprofit organization doing big things? This position is ideal for a reliable, friendly, and organized person who enjoys working with people and is available weekday mornings.

The Route Support Associate plays a key role in supporting the daily operation of Table to Table’s food rescue program in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. This person helps dispatch and support volunteers for their daily food rescue assignments, serves as a primary point of contact for route-related communications, and ensures volunteers have the information and support they need to be successful. When volunteer coverage is limited, the Route Support Associate also drives food rescue routes, collecting and delivering surplus food alongside a volunteer partner.

The ideal candidate is a team player who enjoys interacting with people of diverse ages and backgrounds and can maintain a positive, welcoming presence while managing multiple priorities. Applicants should be energetic, self-motivated, dependable, and possess strong communication and problem-solving skills. This position reports to the Program and Partnerships Manager.

Table to Table’s Mission Statement:
Table to Table bridges the gap between abundance and hunger. Our mission is to increase food equity and reduce environmental harm by collecting and redistributing surplus food through partners to people who can use it.

Work Hours: 20-25 hours per week
Monday-Friday mornings in-person starting at 7:30am with flexible shift end time; half-day Saturdays about once a month.

Required – must be insurable under organization driving liability insurance:

  • Minimum age 21
  • Valid driver’s license for a minimum of 4 years
  • Good driving record
  • Willing to drive large vehicles (no special license needed)

Wage: $15-$18 an hour, depending on experience

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate daily food rescue routes by getting volunteers started and directing their tasks for the day.
  • Drive food rescue vehicles and rescue food on routes when volunteer positions are unfilled.
  • Communicate with key staff at donor/recipient sites to ensure smooth pick-up and delivery of food donations.
  • Food rescue route data entry
  • Unload and organize food received at Table to Table and work with staff to determine the appropriate distribution of food donations.
  • Assist with orientation and training of volunteers.
  • Complete Fleet & Facility Prep duties as needed when volunteer positions are unfilled.

Desired Experience:
Experience in customer service, volunteer leadership, delivery, or reception in a fast-paced environment

Required Skills:
Must be able to regularly and repeatedly lift and move 20-40 lbs.
Ability to work in a fast-paced public-facing role, maintaining energy through often repetitive tasks and communications.
Ability to sustain positive communications and model a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to volunteers.
Must be able to use technology including computers, printers, phones, vehicle and refrigeration units, and other equipment. Functional knowledge of computer systems and Google suite


Benefits:

Table to Table offers

  • Paid sick leave and paid holidays
  • Employer-supported retirement plan
  • Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
  • A mission-driven, collaborative workplace culture grounded in equity and community impact

recblid brebl8qhyhuzrfg5d423kkrdg8dpl7