Community Cook
Accepting applications until
- Type
- Part-time contract
- Hours
- About 12–16 hours per week
- Wage
- $30.00 / hour
- Location
- Smithers, BC
About us
As a grassroots, peer-informed nonprofit, we provide low-barrier, life-saving services to community members who are unhoused, street-involved, or precariously housed. Our work is grounded in harm reduction, cultural safety, trauma-informed practice, and the wisdom of lived and living experience.
The Eddy is a 24/7 year-round shelter serving up to 25 guests. As an interim shelter, we function as an important bridge while a permanent supportive housing shelter is developed in our community. Over the next 18 months we are committed to creating a warm, welcoming and dignified space for guests, while fostering a supportive and collaborative workplace for staff.
About the role
We are seeking two Community Cooks to prepare nutritious, comforting meals for shelter guests. We believe that sharing good food is an important part of creating safety, dignity and community.
Community Cooks work primarily from an off-site kitchen, preparing approximately four meals each week — typically three dinners and one breakfast, or four dinners — purchasing groceries within an established budget, and ensuring meals are delivered to the shelter on schedule.
Meals are prepared for the shelter community, with quantities varying based on occupancy and operational needs. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys cooking for others and believes that food can be an important part of harm reduction and community care.
What you’d be doing
- Plan simple, nutritious and tasty meals that can be prepared within an established food budget
- Purchase groceries and supplies while maintaining accurate receipts and expense records
- Prepare approximately four meals each week for the shelter community
- Package meals safely for transportation to the shelter
- Coordinate meal delivery according to scheduled serving times
- Maintain high standards of food safety, cleanliness and kitchen organization
- Wash dishes, clean workspaces, and leave the kitchen in good condition after each use
- Communicate with shelter staff about guest dietary needs, allergies and meal feedback
- Help develop menus that reflect guest preferences, cultural diversity, seasonal ingredients and available resources
- Work collaboratively with the shelter team to ensure reliable meal service
What we’re looking for
- You enjoy cooking for groups and creating nutritious meals
- The ability to work independently and manage time effectively
- Strong organizational skills and attention to food safety
- Reliable transportation, or the ability to arrange transportation for meals to the shelter
- The ability to plan and cook within a food budget
Helpful, not required
Training can be provided for any of these.
- Food Safe Level 1 certification, or a willingness to obtain it
- Experience cooking in community kitchens, restaurants, camps or institutional settings
- Knowledge of nutrition and accommodating common dietary restrictions
- Experience working in community organizations or other people-focused settings
- Lived or living experience of substance use, homelessness, poverty, or mental health challenges
Who we’d like to hear from
We recognize that valuable experience comes from many places. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification listed.
How to apply
Send us a résumé if you have one, and/or a short description of your experience, along with a note about why you'd like to work with us. Tell us how to reach you and when you're free to talk.
Email hiring@bvharmreduction.org
Put “Community Cook” in the subject line.
Want to talk it over first? Call 778 648 2372, extension 2.