Community Kitchen Assistant
Are you passionate about food, community, and making a real difference? The Sharing Place Food Centre is looking for a Community Kitchen Assistant to join our Meals 4 Change program. With the assistance of a team, you and the Kitchen Manager will prepare thousands of nutritious meals each week while mentoring and supporting a diverse group of volunteers. If you have culinary experience, a heart for people, and a desire to build a healthier Orillia, we’d love to hear from you.
Job Title: Community Kitchen Assistant
Reports to: Kitchen Manager
Location: The Sharing Place Food Centre, 95 Dufferin Street Orillia, ON
Program: Meals 4 Change
Employment Type: Permanent, Part-Time (25 hours/week, Monday - Friday)
About The Sharing Place Food Centre
The Sharing Place Food Centre is a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to building a healthier Orillia through dignified access to nutritious food. We believe food is more than sustenance—it’s a tool for connection, empowerment, and change.
Our Meals 4 Change program transforms recovered food into thousands of healthy, ready-to-eat meals each week, distributed at no cost to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. With the expansion of our commercial kitchen, we are increasing our output from 2,000 to 3,000 meals per week—and we’re looking for a compassionate, skilled, and community-minded individual to help us get there.
Position Overview
The Community Kitchen Assistant supports the daily operations of our high-volume kitchen while helping to create a welcoming, inclusive, and empowering environment for our volunteers. You’ll work closely with the Kitchen Manager to prepare nutritious meals, maintain high standards of cleanliness and organization, and mentor a diverse team of volunteers—including seniors, individuals with developmental challenges, and those facing economic hardship.
This is a unique opportunity to grow your culinary skills while making a meaningful impact in your community.
Key Responsibilities
· Assist in preparing and producing high-quality, nutritious meals using surplus food.
· Support the Kitchen Manager in planning weekly menus and food prep sessions.
· Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen that exceeds public health standards.
· Guide and support volunteers with varying skill levels in a respectful, patient, and inclusive manner.
· Foster a positive, team-oriented kitchen culture where all volunteers feel valued and capable.
· Assist with inventory management using FIFO practices and source ingredients from the warehouse.
· Maintain accurate records of recipes, meals produced, and meals distributed.
· Support other areas of the food centre as needed.
Qualifications
· Culinary experience in a commercial or high-volume kitchen setting.
· Strong interpersonal skills and a compassionate, inclusive approach to working with diverse populations.
· Ability to lift 50–60 lbs, stand for extended periods, and safely handle kitchen tools and equipment.
· Organized, detail-oriented, and able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
· Comfortable using basic computer software for documentation and communication.
· Safe Food Handling certification (or willingness to complete training upon hire).
· Clean Criminal Reference Check and Vulnerable Sector Check required.
Job Details
Schedule: 25 hours/week
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Wednesday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Wage: $23.05/hr
Start Date: September 8, 2025 Preferred
Why Join Us?
At The Sharing Place, you’ll be part of a team that’s not just feeding people—but building a healthier, more connected community. You’ll gain hands-on culinary experience, develop leadership and mentorship skills, and make a real difference in the lives of others.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Sharing Place Food Centre is committed to equity, inclusion, and a barrier-free recruitment process. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to $23.05 per hour
Expected hours: 25 per week
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Expected start date: 2025-09-08