At Food Literacy Center, we inspire kids to eat their vegetables.

About Us

At Food Literacy Center, we inspire kids to eat their vegetables. Food Literacy Center came to life in July 2011 to fill a critical gap: to help individuals improve their knowledge, attitude, and behavior towards real food. Partnering with afterschool programs, we teach food literacy education to 1,200 (and growing!) K-6th graders in low-income schools, using fun, approachable lessons teaching kids to cook, about nutrition, and where their food comes from. Our kids become food adventurers!  

Job Opportunities

Farm Site Development Coordinator
Farm Site Development Coordinator

This is a unique position perfect for an individual interested in experiencing the process of converting a vacant urban lot into a functional urban farm. Reporting to the Assistant Manager of Program Operations, the Farm Site Development Coordinator will activate their skills in soil health building,
weed management and farm site infrastructure development.

The methods required to rebuild soil health and achieve long-term weed management are slow and strategic. This position will require a self-driven, actionable person able to dedicate anywhere from 15-20 hours per week towards the physical implementation of regenerative practices. Work will vary seasonally with higher and lower workloads based on the phases of the field work plan. This position offers an exciting opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the conversion of a typically challenged urban lot into a thriving healthy urban farm. This position reports directly to the Assistant Manager of Program Operations.

Here’s what you’ll do as the Farm Site Development Coordinator:
Execute the Monthly Field Work Plan.

• Work to accomplish the goals of the Urban Farm Consultant’s monthly field work plan.
• Work with contractors as needed to meet objectives of the work plan.
• Primarily rely on your own hands and physical work to implement activities required by the monthly field work plan.
• Coordinate with other program staff to schedule and organize occasional volunteer days.
• Oversee volunteer work days, including planning work schedules, prep, and logistics.
• Implementation of regenerative practices to improve soil health such as cover cropping, occultation, amending soil with compost, and limiting soil disturbance.
• Development of necessary infrastructure for production such as post-harvest handling areas and various storage facilities.
• Oversee the ordering and securing of materials and supplies needed to implement monthly
  goals including activities such as:
  • Spreading compost
  • Weeding
  • Pre-irrigating
  • Occultation
  • Planting cover crop
  • Irrigation of existing planted areas
• To view the complete list of tasks and responsibilities, please refer to our job application available in the PDF above.

Other things to know: 

We offer a unique, healthy work culture that celebrates teamwork and vegetable eating!

• This is an at-will, non-exempt, part-time hourly position that is benefits-eligible.
• Compensation is competitive with a range of $20-$25 per hour DOE.
• Given that we are a start-up nonprofit in growth mode, a flexible schedule is necessary.
• This position will require approximately 15-20 hours per week, though some weeks may require more hours and some will require less. Hours are flexible and may be worked during weekends and outside of typical business hours to accommodate those with existing full-time or part-time jobs.
• This is a very physical position – You’ll need to be able to: stand, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, pull, push, and be able to lift up to 50 lbs pounds regularly throughout any given day.
• We love our veggies, so a vegetable costume may be worn on occasion!
• Because food literacy is at our core, we require all employees to successfully complete Food Literacy Academy certification and become a certified food handler. Food Literacy Center will provide the resources to certify you in these areas.
• Additionally, you must pass a Department of Justice background check and have a negative TB test.
• Proof of COVID vaccination is required.

Ready to apply? Great! Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter to amber@foodliteracycenter.org, subject: Farm Site Coordinator. In your letter, please describe the most important lesson you have learned as a farmer–and tell us why it’s made you a stronger farmer. This position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please.

Part-Time Temporary Program Educator
Part Time Temporary Program Educator Job Description

The part-time, temporary Program Educator is a dynamic entry-level position. The person will ensure programs run smoothly and are top quality, providing joyful experiences for children. The ideal candidate is a multidisciplinary Jack/Jill of all trades who has strong communication skills, strong organizational skills, the desire to be part of a nimble, results-oriented team, and a passion for inspiring kids to eat their vegetables. The Program Educator will work closely with the program manager, operations manager, other educators, and volunteers. This position reports to the Program Manager.

Here’s what you’ll do as our Program Educator:

• Handle program logistics, including on-site volunteer coordination, setup, tear down, and program delivery.
• Track program records and reports, such as attendance rosters.
• Pack and transport program materials to sites.
• Practice food safety measures at various elementary school sites.
• Handle cleaning, food preparation, hauling supplies, and other physical labor
• Coordinate programmatic information with volunteers, interns and site leads.
• Lead and teach food literacy curriculum to K – 6th students.
• Conduct surveys and track student evaluations.
• Communicate programmatic needs and changes with site lead and other program coordinators.
• Become certified as a Food Genius
• Provide support as needed for the organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Things to Know: We offer a unique, vegetable-oriented work culture that celebrates teamwork, health, and vegetable eating.

• This is a non-exempt, part-time, temporary position that pays $18/hour DOE. Averages 20-24 hours a week.
• Most programming follows the school year calendar, with breaks during holidays and between each session.
• REQUIRED: Must have availability between 12:00 – 6:30 PM Monday through
  Thursdays and Fridays 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
• Given that we are a start-up nonprofit in growth mode, a flexible schedule is
  necessary. This position may require some nights and weekends
• You’ll need to be able to lift 50 lbs of food and supplies.
• This position requires you to travel throughout Sacramento, so a California driver’s license are required.
• There is moderate local travel required in this position – you’ll be traveling back and forth between offices and schools.
• We love our veggies, so a vegetable costume may be worn on occasion.
• Because food literacy is at our core, we require all employees to successfully complete Food Literacy Academy certification and become a certified food handler. Food Literacy Center will pay for and provide the resources necessary to certify you in these areas.
• Additionally, you must pass a Department of Justice background check and have a negative TB test.
• Proof of COVID vaccination is required.

Ready to apply? Great! Check out the next steps below.
Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter outlining the unique value you will bring to our organization to cindy@foodliteracycenter.org, subject: Program Educator- Last Name. This position will remain open until filled.

Why Our Work Matters

• Despite being America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, Sacramento has a 40% childhood obesity rate, and many students and families live in food deserts.
• Obesity disproportionately affects low-income and minority children.
• Obesity is now regarded as more damaging than smoking or drinking.
• Being overweight can negatively impact a child’s self-esteem, behavior, friendships, and academic performance.
• All of these problems are preventable–if we eat our vegetables. But we have two generations of Americans who do not know how. That’s where we come in.

Our Leadership & Team

CEO & Chief Food Genius, Amber Stott, is joined by a stellar team of staff, and community volunteers who make up the center’s board, volunteer committees, and support system. As a growing team, we’ve combined their creative ideas, expertise, and energy around food, health, and social change to be a catalyst for change in the community.

Program Recognition

Food Literacy Center holds a Slow Food Snail of Approval, the Green Apple Project Innovation Award from Sacramento City Unified School District, was named Innovator in early childhood health interventions two years in a row by the Department of Public Health, and passed a statewide resolution that declares the month of September as Food Literacy Month in the state of California.

We believe food literacy matters. Learn more about us here.