Food Recovery Fellow

California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) is a statewide initiative that aims to empower and train emerging leaders in the climate and environmental sectors through paid fellowships. The program offers hands-on experience and professional development to participants who are passionate about creating sustainable solutions to climate change. One of the key partners in this effort is FIND Regional Food Bank, located in Indio, California, which focuses on alleviating hunger and promoting food equity and sustainability in the Coachella Valley. FIND Food Bank distributes over 20 million meals monthly across more than 150 distribution sites, serving approximately 150,000 people each month. Their mission encompasses not only food distribution but also addressing the root causes of hunger through education, resource mobilization, and community involvement.

The Food Recovery Fellow position at FIND Regional Food Bank is a full-time, 11-month commitment from September 21, 2026, to August 13, 2027. This fellowship requires a 40-hour work week, typically from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening or weekend duties according to project demands. The role is designed for individuals ready to engage deeply with community efforts to reduce food waste, recover edible food, and promote sustainability along with climate action. The fellowship also includes 170-340 hours dedicated to professional development, offering training and support to build skills and broaden understanding of climate and environmental challenges.

As a Food Recovery Fellow, you will spearhead initiatives centered on food recovery and organic waste diversion, thereby reducing climate pollution and making significant strides toward sustainability goals. Your work will involve recruiting and managing volunteers, organizing community events that raise awareness about food equity and environmental sustainability, and implementing innovative composting programs aimed at diverting over 2,000 pounds of food waste monthly. Additionally, you will collaborate with the warehouse team to handle logistics and streamline food sorting and storage to maximize efficiency in food rescue efforts.

Besides direct project responsibilities, you’ll have the opportunity to develop educational curricula for outreach efforts, helping to inspire and inform community members about sustainable practices and food recovery. Data tracking and analysis to measure the program’s climate impacts will also be part of your duties, ensuring tangible outcomes can be communicated to stakeholders and the wider community. This position not only contributes to local food security but also plays a vital role in the broader climate action movement.

The fellowship provides a comprehensive support package including a $35,250 stipend distributed over 11 months before taxes, a $10,000 education award upon completion, access to professional development funds, healthcare coverage, childcare assistance for eligible fellows, and loan forbearance on qualifying student loans. Fellows also receive guidance from dedicated mentors and have access to a network of nonprofit, government, and community partners to enrich their professional experience.

This role is ideal for individuals interested in climate mitigation, environmental justice, community outreach, and public service who are ready to commit fully to a rigorous yet rewarding program. Applicants must be residents of California by August 14, 2026, at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and be eligible to work in the United States. Preference is given to applicants living in the communities they will serve and those who participate in a CCAC informational session before the priority deadline. Fluency in Spanish and experience with diverse outreach environments, data analysis, and volunteer management are valuable assets.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability and food justice while gaining professional skills and building networks in the climate action field. The fellowship is highly competitive with interviews conducted from May to August and positions filled by early September 2026. FIND Regional Food Bank and California Climate Action Corps are committed to inclusive recruitment and encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, including those with criminal records.