Food Recovery Coordinator

POSITION AVAILABLE: Food Recovery Coordinator

POSITION LEVEL: Part-time, hourly position

PAY RATE: $19–$21 per hour, commensurate with experience.

BENEFITS: Paid Time Off (PTO) that accrues weekly based on length of service.

REPORTING STRUCTURE: Reports to the Executive Director

Organization Overview:

Fulton Street Market (FSM), established in 1922, is a vibrant, community-driven market

located in the Midtown Neighborhood of Grand Rapids. We offer locally grown produce,

meats, eggs, plants, handmade arts, and crafts, serving as a gathering space for residents

and visitors. FSM operates during the Main Market Season from May through October on

Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, as well as a Second Season Market from November

through April on Saturdays. FSM is operated by Fulton Street Farmers Market Inc., a

registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in partnership with the City of Grand Rapids

Parks and Recreation Department.

FSM’s Mission, Vision, Values:

• Our mission is to inspire agricultural participation in Grand Rapids by tending to meaningful connections and experiences at the Market.
• Our vision to be the driving force behind the endurance of Michigan farmers and the sustenance of every Grand Rapidian.
• Our core values are meeting community needs, embracing change & challenges, and cultivating harmony.

Position Overview:

The Food Recovery Coordinator leads Fulton Street Market’s efforts to reduce food waste

and expand equitable food access within the Grand Rapids community. This role is

responsible for managing the Market’s weekly food recovery program, rescuing surplus

products from vendors and redistributing them to community partners and individuals with

care and dignity.

As a highly visible, community-facing representative of Fulton Street Market, the Food

Recovery Coordinator builds meaningful relationships with vendors, volunteers, and partner

organizations while fostering a welcoming and stigma-free environment. This position plays

a critical role in advancing FSM’s mission by strengthening connections between farmers,

food, and community.

This is a part-time, seasonal position requiring in-person availability on Saturdays from June

through October, 1:00pm–4:30pm.

Core Responsibilities:

• Program Operations & Logistics
• Lead and coordinate all Saturday food recovery operations during the Main
• Market Season (June–October), ensuring efficient collection, sorting, and redistribution of donated food.
• Safely transport recovered food to designated community partners as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of food recovered, including tracking and reporting total pounds and program impact data.

Relationship Building & Community Engagement

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with market vendors to encourage consistent food donations.
• Steward partnerships with community organizations and food access partners.
• Serve as an ambassador for Fulton Street Market, representing the organization at market days and relevant community events.

Volunteer Management

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise volunteers to support weekly food recovery efforts.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven volunteer experience.
• Plan and host an annual volunteer appreciation event.

Education & Advocacy

• Educate vendors, volunteers, and community members about food waste reduction and equitable food access.
• Promote a welcoming, dignified, and stigma-free environment for all individuals accessing recovered food.

Program Development & Improvement

• Identify opportunities to strengthen and expand the food recovery program in alignment with FSM’s mission and values.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to evaluate program effectiveness and implement improvements.

Necessary Skills & Qualifications:

• Demonstrated passion for food justice, sustainability, and equitable food access.
• Experience recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers, with confidence in navigating and de-escalating conflict when needed.
• Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail and the ability to follow through on responsibilities independently.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Flexible, adaptable, and solutions-oriented when faced with changing circumstances.
• Cultural competency and a community-centered approach to engaging with diverse populations.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of fresh produce and local food systems, or a willingness to learn about seasonal produce and preparation methods.

Physical Requirements

• This is a highly active, hands-on role that requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Desired Qualities:

• Professional, welcoming, and engaging personality, particularly in community-facing settings.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and the ability to work independently.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with a commitment to excellence.
• Willingness to seek assistance when necessary, approach encountered issues with transparency, and bring a collaborative approach to work.
• Friendly and adaptable, able to interact with diverse community members.
• Trustworthy, reliable, and committed to the mission of the market.
• Growth mindset and openness to learning and improving.

If you would like to apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to

dana@fultonstreetmarket.org by May 3. Please note that we are NOT accepting applications

via LinkedIn.

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace. Research shows that women and BIPOC applicants are often less likely to apply for roles unless they feel they meet every listed qualification. If you’re excited about this position and believe you can contribute, we welcome your application regardless of whether you meet every requirement.