Food Rescue Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Food Rescue Fellow at Heart of Compassion Distribution

Location: Montebello, California

Number of Positions Available: 4

Time Commitment: September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026. Fellows commit to a 40-hour work week, typically Monday - Friday, approximately 7am - 3:30pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 175+ of these hours are dedicated to professional development.

**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Program, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 15, 2025 - Aug 14, 2026 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Program.

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About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship

The California Climate Action Corps has over 400 positions available across California for the 2025-26 CCAC Fellowship. This is a climate-focused, workforce development program for emerging climate and environmental leaders. These are paid, full-time fellowships—similar to internships—but with over 175 dedicated hours for professional development and training while receiving hands-on experience in the climate field.

CCAC Fellows are matched with organizations across California to mobilize communities to take direct climate action and lead projects focused on wildfire resiliency, urban greening, and organic waste diversion and edible food recovery.

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Applications are accepted May 1 - July  31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025.

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Program Benefits

Fellows at Heart of Compassion will have the opportunity to be hands-on in helping the local community with their food security needs at the same time as being a positive impact in helping with climate action. Gain personalized professional development, mentorship, and access to a vast network of over 400 emerging climate leaders and 100+ leading organizations across California. Other benefits include:

• Receive up to $35,000 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Earn up to $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Participation in 175+ hours of training and professional development
• Receive food assistance via CalFresh (for those eligible)
• Forbearance on existing qualifying student loans and interest payments accrued during the service term*
• Minimum essential healthcare coverage
• Childcare assistance* (for those eligible)

Description of Duties

Become a part of an impactful initiative centered on edible food recovery with Heart of Compassion Distribution! Our project focuses on expanding operations to rescue more edible food, diverting it from landfills, and reducing pollutants to combat the climate crisis—while feeding those in need. As a Food Rescue Fellow, you'll play a vital role in reaching out to local businesses, raising awareness about our mission, and recruiting volunteers to aid in food distribution efforts. By expanding our volunteer network and rescuing more food each month, you'll directly contribute to mitigating the release of methane gas generated by organic materials in landfills, while also helping to alleviate food scarcity. Support us in making a tangible difference in both food security and climate action in our community. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Expand and strengthen volunteer recruitment through community engagement, targeted outreach strategies, partnerships with local organizations, and outreach events to aid in the distribution of recovered foods
• Cultivate relationships with local food producers and distributors to increase awareness, educate about the benefits of our program, and increase food donations
• Develop educational materials, social media campaigns, and conduct community outreach events to inform community members of volunteer opportunities
• Coordinate logistics, manage volunteer teams, and organize food donations to facilitate the distribution of rescued food to the local community
• Increase community engagement with community events and by sharing stories, climate impact, and volunteer opportunities on social media
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 15, 2025
• Be at least 18 years of age by August 15, 2025
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

Experience in Community Outreach, Edible Food Recovery, Marketing or Social Media, Volunteer Management & Engagement, and Must possess a valid driver’s license. Fluency in Mandarin, Spanish is a plus. Other valuable contributions include:

• An interest in climate change mitigation, volunteerism, or public service
• Experience with outreach, education, training, or community behavior change
• Fundamental understanding of climate change science, environmental policies in California, and/or environmental priorities
• Excellent organizational, writing, interpersonal, and speaking skills

About Heart of Compassion Distribution

Heart of Compassion (HOC) Distribution is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food bank and social service organization dedicated to fighting hunger. Through our Fighting Hunger Feeding Hope program, we provide groceries twice weekly to 400 families, serving seniors, veterans, single parents, low-income individuals, and those experiencing homelessness. As a hub, we also supply smaller food pantries, helping feed about 3,000 people each week. More Info: heartofcompassionca.org

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Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025. Interviews will take place May - August, with all positions filled by September 2025. This is a competitive program and interviews are not guaranteed. CCAC is an equal opportunity Fellowship with a preference for candidates already living in the communities they will serve. Applications are for the California Climate Action Corps Program in general, but applicants can select up to 5 preferred organizations and positions within the application.

*Program structure, fellow benefits, and final participation are subject to approved grant award(s).