ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the general supervision of the Community Food Retail Manager, the Community Culinary Educator will provide seasonal (May-November) community culinary workshops on-site at RiseBoro Farmers Markets (RBFM). The Community Culinary Educator will demonstrate culturally relevant recipes using locally-produced ingredients, while incorporating nutritional education and culinary history. The Community Culinary Educator will lead multiple cooking demos one day a week (Wednesday) from mid-May to late November with the possibility of leading Saturday and Sunday market demos from mid-May to early July. Position will be part time, 10-20 hours per week, depending on staff availability, with more hours available in May and June.
Specific duties and responsibilities include:
Develop or adapt weekly culturally relevant recipes (e.g., Puerto Rican, Dominican, Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Chinese dishes) using seasonal, local produce available at RiseBoro Farmers Markets; print and transport multi-lingual (Spanish-English, Mandarin if possible) recipe sheets for distribution
Prepare necessary materials and equipment in advance of cooking demos; ensure that serving utensils and auxiliary pantry ingredients are in stock and that featured produce will be available on market day
Create visuals to accompany cooking demonstrations, such as a flip chart with key ingredients or nutritional information
In advance of each culinary workshop, attract market shoppers and pedestrians to participate
Lead three culinary workshops (20-30 minutes each) per market day highlighting seasonal produce
Follow program protocol in set-up and breakdown of tent(s), cooking equipment, and educational materials
During demos, verbally provide nutritional information, share cultural context, instruct participants in techniques of preparing the recipe, and distribute samples of recipe
Engage participants throughout demos by encouraging them to share about their culinary backgrounds, kitchen tips, shopping habits, and more
Wash, dry, and store all equipment at the end of market day; ensure that equipment and pantry staples are stored tidily in respective kits
If available, distribute nutrition benefit coupons to participants (such as NYC CBO Health Bucks or a proprietary coupon program)
Follow all outdoor sanitary and food protection guidelines as outlined by the NYC Department of Health and Mental hygiene, with special consideration of temperature controls and food service personal protective equipment (PPE)
Record attendance data for each session and submit daily to the Community Food Retail Manager, along with any additional feedback or notes
Shop in advance for pantry/non-seasonal ingredients and at the market for produce, according to a predetermined budget; collect and submit receipts for reimbursement
Assist Community Food Retail marketing team in promoting cooking demos via flyering, community calendars, community contacts, etc.
Assist on-site social media/marketing lead to document cooking demo and recipe highlights
In coordination with Community Food Retail Manager and Community Food Retail Supervisor (Marketing & Communications), plan and lead cooking community demos at community sites (RiseBoro senior centers, WIC centers, health facilities, etc.) to promote RiseBoro Farmers Markets
COMPETENCIES
Proficient in engaging effectively and comfortably with individuals from diverse backgrounds
Skilled cook/chef with a high interest in local agriculture and diverse cuisines
Bilingual English/Spanish speaker required
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs throughout the day and able to stand for long periods of time
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods (i.e. 6-8 hours) and in most climates, excluding severe weather
Understanding of NYC regional food systems and socioeconomic conditions affecting nutrition, health inequities, and food access; ability to work in multicultural settings with racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse populations
Demonstrated commitment to supporting communities that have experienced systemic oppression and bias (i.e. people of color, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, justice-involved persons, etc.)
Familiarity with Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY area preferred
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
High School Diploma or GED/HSE preferred
ServSafe certification or NYC Food Protection Certificate already obtained; must adhere to standard sanitary practices
Experience in culinary arts (i.e., culinary school, restaurant kitchen, bakery) in an academic or professional setting
Coursework in nutrition preferred
Teaching or public speaking experience preferred
Qualifications
It is the policy of RiseBoro to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. No individual will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, political or union affiliation, marital or partnership status, sex, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity, familial status, genetic information or predisposition or characteristic, disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, status as a veteran or member of the U.S. military and related obligations, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, job placement, compensation, benefits, training and apprenticeship, employee development, promotion, demotion, discipline, transfer, lay-off and recall, and termination. RiseBoro makes reasonable accommodations based on religion and/or disability as required by law, and requests for accommodation are to be directed to the Human Resources Department