Food Security, Food Programs

Job Title: Kitchen Coordinator (Relief)
Reports To: Manager, Programs & Services
Organization: North York Women's Shelter
Location: North York, Toronto, Ontario

About North York Women's Shelter:

The North York Women's Shelter ("NYWS") actively supports the rights of women, trans, and non-binary individuals and their children as they build lives free from violence by providing safe shelter, advocacy, and a range of trauma-informed programs and services including 24-hour crisis support. Our vision is to create a community characterized by gender equality where women, trans and non-binary individuals and their children feel empowered and safe.

About the role:

The Kitchen Coordinator (Relief) is responsible for supporting meal preparation and food-related programming for clients while maintaining a safe, healthy, and welcoming kitchen environment.

What you will be doing:

Meal Preparation & Supply Coordination

• Collaborate with the Food Security Coordinator to provide meals that are nutritionally sound, meet the dietary needs of Clients, and are considerate of cultural and religious needs.
• Prepare meals based on pre-determined menus and support with posting menus as needed to inform clients of meal options.
• Support Food Security programming and day-to-day operations of the kitchen.
• Support with receiving and sorting food deliveries and supplies.
• Support with putting meals and snacks out for clients and delivering them within the Shelter as needed.
• Prepare nutritious snacks for children to help build healthy eating habits. Support residents' use of the Resident Kitchen and scheduling as needed.
• Utilize the food waste tracking tool Daily by Ten to ensure proper use of resources.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

• Follow defined Health and Safety protocols with respect to kitchen and kitchen related matters e.g., closing kitchen doors, putting away sharp objects, not leaving hot objects unattended, etc.
• Uphold health and safety standards as well as food handling and hygiene guidelines in all aspects of kitchen operations.
• Clean kitchen, pantry and storage areas including appliances and shelves according to health and safety standards and in coordination with the Food Security Coordinator.
• Adhere to health and safety requirements e.g., First Aid CPR certification, maintain up to date food handling certification, and be knowledgeable of Canadian Dietary Guidelines and Canada Food Guide, and participate in updated training as required.

General and Related Responsibilities

• Uphold confidentiality of all Clients in accordance with organizational policies.
• Maintain current knowledge of food security, food justice, and trauma-informed practice and seek out knowledge and resources to inform continuous improvement of meal preparation.
• Attend and participate in additional team building, training, in-services, and community outreach projects as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Who you are:

Your Education and Experience

• You have completed post-secondary education in a related field such as Culinary Arts, Food Security, and/or Food Justice.
• You have knowledge about the Canada Food Guide
• You have a valid Safe Food Handling Certificate.
• You have a minimum of 3 years of experience working with diverse communities in food catering and/or communal settings.
• You have or are willing to provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) with future checks.
• You have completed CPR Level C and First Aid certifications.

Your Skills and Competencies

• You have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office tools e.g., Outlook and Word.
• You take ownership of tasks and have a strong work ethic.
• You are able to work independently as well as part of a team
• You are comfortable working in a pet-friendly environment.
• You have an understanding of the ways in which food security threatens the safety and security of women and children.
• You have comprehensive knowledge of health and safety protocols and procedures for a kitchen environment.
• You have excellent customer service skills.
• You are able to communicate effectively with colleagues and Clients.
• You are enthusiastic and passionate about food service.
• You are able to work from an intersectional feminist, anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens, leveraging a trauma-informed approach.
• You have a high degree of confidentiality and discretion.

The following additional qualifications would be considered assets:

• Experience working with survivors of violence and their dependents.

Working Conditions:

• This role operates in a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Shelter which provides client services inclusive of adults, children, youth, and houses pets (dogs and cats).
• May be required to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, lifting, pushing, pulling, and/or moving items.
• Speaking and listening on the telephone and using a computer.
• Exposure to GBV and IPV subject matter and cases.
• Occasional exposure to animals (dogs and cats).
• Occasional exposure to loud sounds.
• Occasional exposure to interpersonal conflict.
• Occasional exposure to substance use.

How to apply:

Does this sound like the right opportunity for you? If so, please apply with your resume on BambooHR. Please mention you saw this at FoodWork.ca.

Only applications submitted by March 3, 2026, at 5pm, through the BambooHR application portal will be considered. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please do not call the Shelter.

Please mention you saw this at FoodWork.ca.