Mission, Vision, and Values
The Nashville Food Project brings people together to grow, cook and share nourishing food, with the goals of cultivating community and alleviating hunger in our city. At The Nashville Food Project, we embrace a vision of vibrant community food security in which everyone in Nashville has access to the food they want and need through a just and sustainable food system. This mission and vision are guided by core organizational values, including hospitality, stewardship, interdependence, learning, justice, and transformation.
Organizational Background
The Nashville Food Project (TNFP) was born from the idea that good food is a matter of basic dignity. Since its start in 2007, TNFP has served thousands of Nashvillians facing food insecurity. In 2011, TNFP was incorporated as an independent nonprofit, shifting the focus of its meals program toward a collaborative partnership model and launching an urban agriculture program. Today, TNFP continues to connect people to nourishing food and to each other through vibrant urban agriculture projects, made-from-scratch meals, and food shared with local partners working to disrupt cycles of poverty.
Position Summary
The Meals Coordinator (MC) is a core member of the TNFP Meals Team, supporting the preparation and production of meals across TNFP kitchens. Reporting to the respective kitchen manager, the MC works with staff and volunteers to consistently meet deadlines for meal preparation and service, maintains kitchen cleanliness, and ensures best practices are used across culinary operations.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Meal Production
- Provide direct support in the preparation and cooking of TNFP meals
- Maintain highest best-use of ingredients in accordance with TNFP’s Food Donations Policy
- Support the creation of prep lists for ongoing meal production and volunteer sessions
- Support kitchen managers in the day-to-day production of all meals and snacks
- Collaborate with kitchen managers and procurement staff to utilize donated and gleaned ingredients in a timely manner and identify targeted items to procure from farms
- Communicate major inventory changes or needs to kitchen managers
- Report any needed equipment or facilities repairs to kitchen managers
- Work conscientiously to minimize waste through careful use of ingredients
- Ensure Health Department codes are adhered to at all times
- Ensure that all required tasks are completed daily
- Maintain accurate meals records, food labeling, and provide data as requested
Volunteer Facilitation
- Actively demonstrate hospitality and learning when interacting with staff and volunteers
- Create a welcoming atmosphere and meaningful experiences for all volunteers
- Provide hands-on training to staff, volunteers, and interns as needed
- Provide marketing support for meals program, including articles for newsletters and photos/content for social media
