Who We Are
For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.
Mission Statement
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.
Job Description
The Let's Eat Program Facilitator is responsible for planning, coordinating, facilitating, and evaluating the Let's Eat Breakfast Program, a school-based cooking and nutrition initiative designed to address food insecurity while teaching practical life skills to students in Grades 6-8.
Working in partnership with participating elementary schools, volunteers, community partners, and London Community Services staff, the Program Facilitator delivers hands-on cooking and nutrition education that empowers students to prepare healthy meals while supporting school breakfast programs. The Facilitator creates a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where youth develop cooking skills, food literacy, confidence, teamwork, leadership skills, and an understanding of healthy eating practices.
The Program Facilitator is responsible for menu planning, purchasing food and supplies, facilitating weekly cooking sessions, coordinating volunteers, maintaining food safety standards, tracking program outcomes, and building positive relationships with schools and community stakeholders. Through this work, the Program Facilitator contributes to The Salvation Army's mission of meeting human needs and strengthening communities.
Normal work schedule – The Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule – 13 hours per week – normal hours will be Monday – 1:00 – 6:00; Wednesday – 3:00- 6:00 and Thursday – 1:00 - 6:00.
Normal location of work is at: 310 Vesta Road London ON N5Y 5J1 and other satellite locations
Key Responsibilities
Program Planning, Facilitation and Student Engagement
- Coordinate and facilitate the Let's Eat Breakfast Program in up to three participating elementary schools.
- Develop and implement program plans, schedules, meal calendars, and educational activities.
- Deliver engaging cooking and nutrition education sessions for students in Grades 6-8.
- Foster a positive, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that promotes dignity, teamwork, leadership, confidence, and life skills development.
- Encourage active student participation and support student retention throughout the school year.
- Promote student voice by incorporating participant feedback into menu planning and program development.
- Support students in developing practical life skills and identifying opportunities to participate in other Salvation Army youth programs.
- Build positive relationships with participants and provide encouragement, mentorship, and guidance throughout the program.
- Recognize and celebrate participant achievements and contributions.
- Maintain attendance records and monitor program participation and engagement.
Food Preparation and School Nutrition Support
- Develop nutritious, culturally responsive, and budget-conscious menus that align with available resources and school needs.
- Purchase food, supplies, and program materials in accordance with approved budgets.
- Lead students and volunteers in preparing breakfast items and other approved food products for school nutrition programs.
- Instruct participants in safe and appropriate use of kitchen equipment, tools, and food preparation techniques.
- Ensure compliance with all Public Health, Safe Food Handling, allergy management, sanitation, and food storage requirements.
- Ensure all food is prepared, labelled, documented, stored, and distributed according to established procedures.
- Maintain inventory and ensure appropriate food rotation and storage practices.
- Ensure kitchen, food preparation, and storage areas are cleaned, organized, and sanitized following each session.
- Maintain accurate production records, including meals prepared, quantities produced, and food distribution statistics.
- Communicate regularly with designated school staff regarding meal production, storage, and distribution requirements.
School, Volunteer and Community Partnerships
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with school principals, teachers, educational assistants, and school support staff.
- Participate in the development and implementation of Memorandums of Understanding with participating schools.
- Communicate regularly with school staff regarding schedules, menu plans, student participation, and program outcomes.
- Recruit, orient, train, schedule, and support volunteers assisting with program delivery.
- Provide direction and supervision to volunteers while fostering a positive volunteer experience.
- Ensure volunteers adhere to program policies, safety requirements, and The Salvation Army's Mission, Vision, and Values.
- Work collaboratively with London Community Services staff, community partners, and stakeholders to support program success.
- Identify opportunities for partnerships, donations, and community support that enhance program sustainability.
- Assist in increasing awareness of food insecurity and school nutrition needs within the community.
Program Administration, Evaluation and Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of attendance, participation, volunteer involvement, meals produced, and meals distributed.
- Track and report program outcomes related to student participation, retention, food security, nutrition education, and skill development.
- Collect and submit monthly statistics and reports as required.
- Gather feedback from students, schools, volunteers, donors, and community partners to support continuous program improvement.
- Participate in annual program evaluation and planning activities.
- Monitor expenditures and ensure program activities remain within approved budgets.
- Maintain purchasing records, inventory documentation, and other administrative requirements.
- Assist with grant reporting, donor stewardship activities, and the collection of program success stories and impact data.
- Maintain confidentiality and accurate participant, volunteer, and program records in accordance with organizational policies.
- Periodically review program goals, outcomes, and service delivery practices with the supervisor and recommend improvements where appropriate.
- Conduct program debriefs and evaluations, documenting lessons learned and opportunities for growth.
- Work collaboratively with the Community Engagement Manager to develop promotional materials, social media content, presentations, and impact stories that support community awareness and fundraising efforts.
- Provide input into annual program planning and budget development.
- Respond appropriately to program-related incidents, concerns, and complaints, ensuring timely documentation, reporting, and follow-up in consultation with the supervisor.
- Respond to phone calls, emails, and inquiries related to the Let's Eat Program and provide information, referrals, or direction as appropriate.
- Perform administrative duties and maintain program documentation with accuracy and attention to detail.
Special Projects and Recognition
- Assist students in developing a year-end recipe collection featuring recipes created throughout the program.
- Coordinate participant recognition activities, celebrations, and graduation acknowledgements.
- Support the preparation and distribution of participant honorariums where applicable.
- Participate in special events, community events, and seasonal initiatives as required.
Health and Safety
- Understand and work in compliance with the Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
Working Conditions
Perform other duties as required.
- Flexibility in scheduling is required, evening work will be required.
- The performance of the job requires the ability to lift/move 20 lbs., reach, bend, twist, and stoop frequently, work in a standing or sitting position for long periods, un-packing delivery vehicles, and computer keyboarding.
- Exposure to scents and fumes.
- This position will require frequent travel and work at various locations throughout the City of London.
- May be exposed to disagreeable people including the occasional angry and/or abusive client/public, working with people from all walks of life and backgrounds.
- Will be required to wear Salvation Army branded clothing provided by the employer.
Education, Qualifications And Certifications
- Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is required. Post-secondary education in Recreation and Leisure Services, Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Education, Social Services, Community Development, or a related field is considered an asset.
- An equivalent combination of education, training, lived experience, and relevant work experience will be considered.
- Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license, personal vehicle and insurance, current copy of driver’s abstract for review and verification that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
- Safe Food Handling Certification required.
- Standard First Aid and CPR Certification required, or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe.
- A current Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. The screening is secured either through the national Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment.
- Will require screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.
Experience And Knowledge Requirements
- Minimum one (1) year of related experience working with children and youth in school, camp, recreation, community, food program, or similar settings.
- Experience facilitating group-based programs, activities, or educational workshops.
- Experience preparing food in a commercial, educational, community, or volunteer setting is an asset.
- Experience recruiting, coordinating, or supervising volunteers is an asset.
- Experience maintaining program records, statistics, and outcome measurements.
- Knowledge of food safety principles, healthy nutrition practices, and kitchen operations.
- Understanding of food insecurity and the impact of school nutrition programs on children and youth.
- Experience building positive relationships with schools, community partners, volunteers, and families is an asset.
Skills And Capabilities
- Strong facilitation and youth engagement skills.
- Ability to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants.
- Demonstrated ability to develop positive relationships with students, volunteers, school staff, and community partners.
- Strong organizational, time management, and planning skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to diverse cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Ability to maintain accurate records, statistics, and program documentation.
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications. Attention to detail and effective problem-solving skills.
- High standards of integrity; demonstrated ability to use sound judgment when making decisions and to problem solve complex cases, ensuring confidentiality and an ability to model the values of The Salvation Army.
- Ability and willingness to develop an understanding of and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
This is a temporary position.
Compensation
The target hiring range for this position is $21.23 to $22.24 with a maximum of $23.25.
Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.
The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email
Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.
