Meal Program Assistant (Part-time)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Meal Program Assistant (Part-time)

Location: Toronto, Ontario | Hours: 12 hours/week | Work Days: 2 day per week | Compensation: $20/hour | Term: July 2026 – June 2027 (grant-funded) | Reports to: Program Coordinator

About Us

MIND Program runs a community meal program rooted in the belief that access to nourishing food is a fundamental right. We serve low-income and marginalized community members in Scarborough & Toronto through culturally responsive, dignity-centred food programming and partnerships with frontline organizations. We are a small, mission-driven team where every role matters, learning is encouraged, and impact is visible everyday.

About the Role:

We're looking for a passionate, organized, and people-centred Program Assistant to join our team. This position is ideal for someone who wants real, hands-on experience in nonprofit program operations and community-based food programming.

You'll work closely with our Program Coordinator to support meal preparation, packaging, and distribution logistics, as well as the behind-the-scenes admin that keeps our programs running smoothly. This is a part-time, grant-funded role (12 hours/week), with meaningful community impact.

This position is located in Scarborough and requires in-person attendance. The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in Canada.

Key Responsibilities

Program Support (approx. 70%)

● Assist with meal preparation, packaging, and distribution logistics

● Assist with kitchen setup and cleanup

● Help coordinate volunteers during meal service or food programming times/events

● Track program data (meals served, attendance, volunteer hours etc.) using spreadsheets or simple tracking tools

● Support outreach to program participants and community partners across Toronto

● Assist with inventory support and basic supply tracking as needed.

● Support local pick-ups/drop-offs across Toronto/Scarborough to support meal distribution and program operations (e.g. supplies, donations, partner site visits)

● Travel & Vehicle Use: This role requires a vehicle and local driving once per week. Driving time is paid. Mileage is reimbursed at $0.60 per km.

Administrative Support (approx. 30%)

● Maintain organized records, files, and program documentation (digital and/or paper)

● Support grant reporting by compiling data and drafting narrative summaries

● Support participant/volunteer/partner surveys and basic impact tracking

● Assist with simple communications tasks as needed

Required Qualifications

● Genuine commitment to food justice and the communities we serve

● Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

● Reliable, punctual, able to work independently and as part of a team

● Comfortable with basic technology (email, Google Workspace)

● Ability to perform tasks that may include standing for extended periods and lifting up to 30lbs

● Warm, respectful communication style with diverse populations & fluent in English

● Valid Ontario driver’s license, regular access to a reliable vehicle, and a good driving record.

● Must be legally authorized to work in Canada

Preferred Qualifications (Not required — we encourage you to apply even if you don't check every box)

● Experience in food service, community service, or a nonprofit setting

● Coursework or lived experience in social work, public health, community development, or a related fields

● Experience supporting administrative functions in any setting

● Familiarity with Toronto's social services landscape and community resources

Screening & Training Requirements:

● Successful candidate must complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS)

● Food Handler Certification is required; MIND Program will cover training costs during onboarding

Equity & Accessibility

MIND Program strongly encourages applications from people of colour, Indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada, people with lived experience of food insecurity, and others from communities disproportionately impacted by systemic inequity. We are committed to equity in hiring in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

To Apply: Send a resume and a one-page cover letter (no more than one page) explaining why this role interests you to contact@mindprogram.org. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; priority deadline May 25th, 2026.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.