Wage: Starting at $28.01 per hour
Schedule:20 hours per week
Generally Monday – Thursday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM with some flexibility for occasional evenings and weekends
Location:2342 Rosewall Crescent, Courtenay and various locations throughout the Comox Valley
Posting Opens:February 11th, 2026Posting
Closes:March 1st, 2026 at end of day
Start Date:March 23rd (or ASAP)
Interviews:March 5th & 10thBenefits: Benefits package, wellness spending and three weeks vacation
GENERAL OVERVIEW
LUSH Valley Food Action Society is a Comox Valley based non-profit organization. We envision a region where healthy, local food is at the heart of community wellbeing. We support the Comox Valley community to gain food-systems tools, engage in just and resilient local food systems and receive equitable access to nourishing food.
When you work with LUSH Valley, you become part of an energetic and passionate team making positive change in the Comox Valley.
ROLE SUMMARY
LUSH Valley is seeking a creative and community-minded cooking educator to coordinate and facilitate our Healthy Food educational programs, including Young Cooks and Community Kitchens. The Healthy Food Program Coordinator will be the lead facilitator of LUSH Valley’s hands-on food skills programming for youth and adults.
The ideal candidate is an experienced instructor and cook who is passionate about working with children, youth and vulnerable adults, and can confidently lead and teach news food skills to a group of diverse individuals in the kitchen. They should be passionate about building food literacy through fun and practical cooking experiences.
Working under the supervision of the Healthy Food Program Manager, the Coordinator will plan and deliver engaging programming while managing the behind-the-scenes logistics that ensure each session runs smoothly. The ideal candidate will have experience working with children, youth , vulnerable adults and a diversity of individuals, particularly in kitchen settings.
This role involves program delivery across multiple community locations throughout the Comox Valley, including schools, partner sites, and affordable housing. The programming schedule varies week to week and may include occasional weekend or evening programming. Some flexibility in scheduling will be required.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
YOUNG COOKS [65%]
Plan and teach hands-on food skills education sessions for various groups of children and youth
Create new workshops and curriculum tailored for various groups- including Indigenous children, and youth
Develop age-appropriate, creative, and budget-conscious session outlines and menus aligned with age-appropriate learning objectives
Purchase food and supplies within budget parameters and track related expenses
Maintain a focus on nourishing and local food wherever possible
Transport food, equipment, and supplies to program sites as required
Complete ingredient preparation, kitchen setup, and post-program cleanup
Create a safe, inclusive, and engaging kitchen environment that builds confidence and practical cooking skills
Adapt lessons and facilitation style to suit varying ages, abilities, food sensitivities and group dynamics
Provide direction and supervision to volunteers during sessions, and foster a positive and supportive volunteer experience
Ensure all food safety standards, allergy protocols, and risk management procedures are followed
Maintain inventory of program equipment and ingredients and ensure materials are organized
With the Healthy Food Program Manager, coordinate program schedules and logistics with schools and community partners
With the Healthy Food Program Manager, recruit, onboard, and schedule volunteers
Track participation numbers and encourage feedback
With Manager, evaluate and improve program on an ongoing basis
Represent LUSH Valley with professionalism and warmth in school and community settings
Contribute to continuous improvement of program materials and systems in collaboration with the Healthy Food Program Manager
COMMUNITY KITCHENS [35%]
Maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment for all participants.
Coordinate and lead all aspects of hands on cooking workshops for a diverse range of programming, including hands-on workshops and community social meal-style programming.
With skill and compassion work with low-income adults with various health barriers.
Adapt programing as needed to work with various groups including: newcomers, multicultural, queer, Indigenous and/or low income, and/or people with disabilities and other specialized or marginalized groups
With direction from the Healthy Food Program Manager, develop creative workshop concepts aligned with community needs
With direction from the Healthy Food Program Manager, coordinate program dates, facilities, and details
Facilitate weekly hands on teaching and meal programming at an affordable housing site, fostering a welcoming, stigma-free, and inclusive environment for participants
Develop accessible, culturally appropriate, and budget-conscious recipes and menu plans
Purchase food and supplies within budget parameters and track related expenses
Manage all prep, transportation of supplies, kitchen setup, food safety compliance, and cleanup
Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and stigma-free environment that supports food skills development and community connection
Adapt programming to meet the needs of diverse participants and different demographics, including individuals experiencing food insecurity and poverty
Build and maintain positive relationships with partner organizations and participants
With the Healthy Food Program Manager, identify opportunities to expand or enhance programming based on community need
Attend staff meetings and organizational meetings, training and events
Support other LUSH programs, staff and activities on occasion as needed
SKILLS and ABILITIES
Comfort working in dynamic community settings, including schools and affordable housing environments
A friendly, engaging and, collaborative attitude
Ability to deal quickly with change and pivot with minimal disruptions
Ability to work independently and/or part of a team
Ability to take a leadership role in the kitchen
Excellent time-management and organizational skills
Ability to organize, multitask and self-direct
Ability to foster and maintain positive working relationships
Strong English language written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in Google Workspace (including Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Sheets)
Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds
QUALIFICATIONS
1+ years working with and/or teaching children, and youth
Experience working with low income adults with various barriers (ex. Mental health or physical health challenges).
Experience working with or teaching youth and diverse individuals
3+ years of culinary experience
Formal culinary training an asset
Formal teaching training an asset
Experience Managing volunteers
Class 5 driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract and a personal vehicle
Criminal record clearance for working with the vulnerable sector
Valid FoodSafe Level 1 certification
Basic first aid or better
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Various kitchens across the Comox Valley including schools, social housing and LUSH’s various commercial and residential kitchens.
Repetitive and demanding physical tasks, including lifting somewhat heavy food and equipment items, involved in purchasing food for groups, and transporting food and equipment.
Various commercial and residential style equipment.
Exposure to cooking related hazards such as stoves, knives, food processors, and other sharp and hot equipment.
Fast-paced environment
TO APPLY
Please submit your resume and cover letter to Natasha at support@lushvalley.org.