Halton Food for Thought (HFFT) offers universally accessible, non-stigmatizing Student Nutrition Programs (SNP) to schools across Halton Region. A grassroots organization that was started by a group of parents in 1997 and 10 years later in 2007 became an incorporated registered charity with its own board of directors and 63 programs. As of June 2025 – HFFT has partner programs in 157 schools, providing over 96,000 Halton students access to healthy food daily during the school year. With over 1,500 volunteers and dozens of community partners who work alongside us to feed students in their communities – we are impacting lives every day.
OUR VISION.
We believe in a Halton Region where no student goes hungry at school.
THE MISSION.
We connect Halton Students with healthy food in schools, so they can reach their full potential.
OUR VALUES.
Community building: We believe that sharing food is a powerful way to build a sense of community.
Universality: We strive to connect all students to nutritious food without barriers.
Partnership: We convene unique and valuable partnerships that enable us to better connect students to food.
Youth-led: We empower students to be active contributors and leaders in all aspects of our work.
Stewardship: We value our relationships with partners, donors, volunteers and staff, and we are intentional about nurturing those relationships over the long-term.
Equity, diversity and inclusion: We celebrate the diversity of our community and are thoughtful and intentional about inclusion and equity in all our work.
This Role Has Impact.
The Community Development Coordinator plays a key role in Halton Food for Thought’s in-school and community impact. At a time when hunger needs are sharply rising, our organization and team work as agents of change to help expand program capacities and offer truly meaningful, nourishing experiences in the school day for students JK-12. School food programs are meaningful, trajectory-shifting programs that can transform equity, opportunity, and feelings of belonging for children and youth.
Job Purpose:
Student nutrition initiatives are growing and shifting across Ontario in response to increased need. In Halton Region, we believe our ultimate vision for student nutrition in schools should be equitably accessible nourishing meals for all. This role plays a key part in helping us make our vision a reality, by ensuring school programs operate efficiently and that our school partnerships are thriving, reciprocal, and rooted in trust and respect.
You will:
- Work with the Student Nutrition Program team to ensure school programs meet their critical benchmarks, such as universal and inclusive; student informed; and diverse
- You will work with the Student Nutrition Program team to identify opportunities for expanded program capacity, supporting schools on-site with programming upgrades, menu planning, volunteer participation, and more.
- Help ensure schools are on track with budget and provide a balance of produce, proteins, and whole grains in ways that foster engaging, community-building opportunities for students.
- Support Student Nutrition Program activities including fundraising events, campaigns, and in-school events.
- Support the Student Nutrition Program team and management by ensuring school partners are compliant in meeting reporting, budget, and communication requirements as determined by our provincial partner, the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services. Works alongside program managers to ensure correct Student Nutrition Program data is being tracked for each program, and follows the guidelines set by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
- Be available to support and guide program coordinators or lead volunteers at individual schools either in-person, by phone, or virtual meetings.
- Help support the community of school volunteers through training, stewardship, and support initiatives.
- Collaborate with the team on innovative program expansions and pilots.
- Participate in periodic evaluation processes and changes. Assess individual Student Nutrition Program sites and their coordinators on an ongoing basis. Use evaluation tools to monitor programs effectiveness and achievements. Support school program administrative tasks and duties.
- Support schools in program problem-solving.
- Implement, and monitors program policies as required (e.g., safety, program privacy, etc.)
- Support HFFT’ s philanthropy and communications work by gathering impact-stories and testimonials from school staff, families, community partners and students.
- Regularly visits schools for support and stewardship. Establishes good working relationships and collaborates with school programs, community members, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the program.
- Participate in program advocacy and represent HFFT at various community events when needed.
- Conducts ongoing data collection activities for the program’s evaluation.
- Work closely with the HFFT team to support initiatives and contribute to team projects and broader organizational work.
- Represent HFFT in a thoughtful and positive manner when required to outside organizations with the guidance and knowledge of the executive or other team members.
- Other tasks as required.
- The ability to work in alignment with Halton Food for Thought’s values and beliefs.
- A commitment to learning about the tremendous importance and positive impacts of universally accessible nutrition programs for all young people in Halton Region.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- A proven track record of flexibility and resiliency in a dynamic, ever-changing environment. Student nutrition is always shape-shifting.
- Effective communications and conflict management skills.
- Exceptional organization, project management and administrative skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communication skills.
- An enthusiastic self-starter with the ability to work independently and particularly as a member of a team.
- Proficiency in use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and standard office technology.
- Ability to accept and give feedback.
- Be willing to be mentored, guided and learn from other senior staff and management.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing training with the team.
- Availability to work early mornings with the rare evening and weekend required.
- Ability and means to travel for meetings; a valid driver’s license is required.
- A Vulnerable Sector Check is required for all employees within school settings.
- Post-Secondary degree in education, social sciences or related field, or equivalent work experience.
- Direct experience in social service delivery to individuals facing multiple barriers.
- 3+ years of experience working in youth-serving organizations is mandatory.
- Cultural competence working in diverse communities.
- Demonstrated experience managing risk, exercising judgment, and supporting staff and clients in crisis situations in a complex, high needs environment.
- Knowledge and experience of working within an anti-oppression and anti-racist framework is an asset.
- Excellent written and oral English communication skills. French fluency is an asset.
- Experience implementing program data collection and evaluation processes.
- Experience organizing and working with volunteers in a non-profit setting.
- Attention to detail and excellent project management and organization skills.
- Training and experience in conflict resolution and staff resiliency are assets.
- Experience building and facilitating trust-centered partnerships.
- Creative and resourceful team-player with an ability to support multiple projects simultaneously.
- Access to a vehicle
Compensation Details: $ 26/ hour prorated for 47 weeks per annum. This position is salaried and offers benefits and mileage reimbursements, an inclusive and progressive working environment, and opportunities to grow and learn. Halton Food for Thought is a proud living wage employer.
Work Schedule & Contract Details: This is a part-time position based on 25 hours per week – ideally Monday to Friday x 5 hours per day- (with some work in the evening or weekends which is outside regular work hours when needed), prorated over 47 working weeks per year to reflect 5 weeks of unpaid leave during the summer months. The position is offered as a one-year contract, with the possibility of extension contingent upon organizational needs and satisfactory performance during the initial term.
Location: Remote – with regular visits to partner schools for site visits within Halton. Local travel with own vehicle required and needing a G license. This role offers in-office (Halton) and work from home flexibility and requires local travel in your own vehicle.
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Halton Food for Thought hires based on merit and is committed to equality and diversity, as well as providing welcoming and inclusive work experience.
- Please send your cover letter and resume in confidence, outlining your qualifications and what interests you in the role to HR@haltonfoodforthought.com by October 10th, 2025.
- Note that resumes without a cover letter will not be reviewed.
- Only qualified respondents will be contacted.
- Individuals accepted for consideration will be subject to a Vulnerable Sector Check.
Halton Food for Thought is committed to equity in employment and values diversity, inclusiveness, and representation. We encourage applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, and religion. HFFT is committed to providing a respectful and healthy work environment. Applicants who require accommodations during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact hr@haltonfoodforthought.com to discuss their needs. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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