Food Recovery Coordinator

California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) is an innovative, statewide climate-focused workforce development program designed to empower emerging leaders dedicated to combating climate change and fostering environmental stewardship. With over 400 positions available across California for the 2026-27 fellowship cycle, CCAC provides paid, full-time opportunities that combine hands-on experience with dedicated professional development in various aspects of climate action, including wildfire resiliency, urban greening, and organic waste diversion. This dynamic program, running from September 21, 2026, to August 13, 2027, demands a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, primarily Sunday through Thursday, blending onsite and hybrid work models to navigate evolving project needs successfully.

ProduceGood, a pivotal partner within this fellowship, is an organization committed to building sustainable solutions that alleviate hunger, reduce food waste, and promote health and well-being through nutrition equity and climate resilience. Based in Claremont, California, ProduceGood operates a robust neighborhood food network that mobilizes community volunteers, businesses, and municipalities to foster a localized, circular food system. This network enhances food recovery efforts by focusing on equitable distribution and climate-conscious resource management, ultimately patching social and environmental inequities related to food management. Founded with a deep commitment to community empowerment and environmental justice, ProduceGood offers a nurturing and supportive environment driven by collaboration, mentorship from experienced leaders including former AmeriCorps and Peace Corps volunteers, and opportunities for professional growth.

The Food Recovery Coordinator role at ProduceGood represents an impactful opportunity for fellows passionate about food justice, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. This full-time, 11-month fellowship position involves significant responsibility in scheduling and coordinating food recovery resources, including volunteer management, food source collaboration, and nurturing relationships with feeding partners. The coordinator will play a crucial role in executing weekly produce recovery activities and special projects like the annual Glean-a-thon and community orchard events, ensuring the efficient collection and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to underserved populations. Beyond logistics, the position requires creativity in outreach efforts, marketing collaborations, and volunteer engagement strategies. It demands adaptability to diverse outdoor conditions, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage multi-stakeholder collaborations effectively.

Key aspects of the role include recruiting new volunteers to expand the food recovery operations, coordinating food recovery events such as CropSwap and Market Share, and developing outreach materials that facilitate education about food waste prevention. The coordinator also tracks program data to analyze the climate impact, contributing valuable insights toward improving and scaling ProduceGood's initiatives. Candidates interested in environmental education, climate change mitigation, and community behavior change will find ample scope to apply and further develop their skills.

This fellowship offers a competitive stipend of $35,250 before taxes, distributed evenly over 11 months, with an additional $10,000 education award upon successful completion. Fellows benefit from 170 to 340 hours of professional training and development, $300 in professional development funds, CalFresh food assistance eligibility, student loan forbearance during the service term, essential healthcare coverage, and childcare assistance for those who qualify. The position requires a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle access, reflecting the necessity for transportation to program sites. Fluency in languages such as Mandarin or Spanish is advantageous, and physical capability to handle up to 30 lbs is essential due to the hands-on nature of the work.

ProduceGood is an excellent environment for those eager to contribute meaningfully to climate action and social equity through food systems. The fellowship is designed for individuals committed to public service and community volunteerism but excludes undergraduate students enrolled during the service period. The recruitment process prioritizes applicants who participate in a CCAC information session before June 19, 2026, with interviews held through August and final placements by September 4, 2026. CCAC advocates for equal opportunity participation, encouraging applications from historically underrepresented communities and those living in the service communities.

Prospective applicants should visit ProduceGood's website at www.producegood.org for more information and prepare to engage fully in a fellowship that fosters professional growth, community impact, and real-world climate solutions in California’s vibrant environmental landscape.