Food Rescue Fellow

Heart of Compassion (HOC) Distribution is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food bank and social service organization deeply committed to fighting hunger and supporting vulnerable populations in the Montebello, California area. Operating through its Fighting Hunger Feeding Hope program, HOC provides groceries twice weekly to approximately 400 families, including seniors, veterans, single parents, low-income individuals, and people experiencing homelessness. The organization also functions as a distribution hub, supplying smaller food pantries and collectively feeding about 3,000 people weekly. HOC’s mission centers around providing nutritious food access while fostering community resilience and hope, further committed to environmental sustainability by integrating climate action within its food rescue initiatives.

The California Climate Action Corps Fellowship is an 11-month full-time program that runs from September 21, 2026, to August 13, 2027, designed for emerging climate and environmental leaders dedicated to making a tangible difference in their communities and the environment. As a Food Rescue Fellow at Heart of Compassion Distribution, you will be part of an impactful initiative aimed at rescuing edible food that would otherwise be wasted. This Fellowship offers an opportunity to contribute directly to climate action by diverting food from landfills, thereby reducing methane emissions, a significant contributor to climate change. This role not only supports food security efforts but also actively engages communities in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

This program requires a 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday, typically from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments to meet project needs. Fellows will dedicate 170 to 340 hours to professional development and training, receiving mentorship and the chance to expand their network within an extensive community of climate activists and organizations across California. The position is paid, offering a $35,250 stipend distributed evenly over the service term, along with a $10,000 educational award upon completion of the full 1700 hours. Additional benefits include healthcare coverage, childcare assistance where eligible, loan forbearance, CalFresh food assistance for qualifying fellows, and professional development funding.

As a Food Rescue Fellow, your work will focus on expanding the organization’s capacity to recover and distribute rescued food by building and sustaining partnerships with local businesses and food producers. You will also recruit and manage volunteers to support these initiatives, develop educational materials, operate social media campaigns, and coordinate logistics to maximize food rescue impact. The role requires excellent organizational and communication skills to increase community engagement and raise awareness about both food insecurity and climate action. This Fellowship represents a unique convergence of public service, environmental stewardship, and social justice, offering valuable hands-on experience in both climate mitigation and food security sectors.