Job Description

Job Summary

Are you a passionate culinary expert with Food Truck Experience? The Food Truck Cook & Outreach Worker is a versatile role within Ark Aid's Kitchen Team that combines food preparation, safe vehicle operation, and community engagement. This position is responsible for preparing and serving meals from Ark Aid's food truck, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, maintaining the vehicle, and representing Ark Aid at community events and outreach activities. The role also includes collaboration with volunteers, the Outreach Team, and participation in internal and external events and fundraisers.

Overview:

Ark Aid is a Christian Mission serving the homeless and marginalized community in the city of London, Ontario. The Facilities & Kitchen Team contributes to the Mission of Ark Aid Street Mission Inc., which identifies that in God's love, we will facilitate opportunities for people to experience love, healing and liberation, by providing services to our community and building relationships with each individual.

Key Responsibilities

Operate Ark Aid's food truck, including safe driving, fueling, and basic vehicle care. Prepare, cook, and serve meals using available resources and donated foods. Follow menus and adjust as needed to reflect available stock. Ensure food safety and compliance with Public Health and Safe Food Handling standards. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the food truck's kitchen and service areas. Store, rotate, and log food items safely.

Outreach & Community Engagement

Act as a positive ambassador for Ark Aid in the community. Collaborate with the Outreach Team during street-level service, special events, and fundraisers. Engage with clients and community members in a respectful and compassionate manner. Support volunteer involvement by providing direction, encouragement, and clear communication. Assist with donor relations by representing Ark Aid at food-related events and helping source new partnerships for food donations.

Other Duties

Participate in Ark Aid internal events and community fundraisers, including potential partnerships with outside organizations. Assist with other kitchen team duties as required. Uphold Ark Aid's mission and values in all work.

Job Requirements

The Community Food Truck Lead should have the following skills, education and experience:

Education & Certifications:

Safe Food Handling certification (required). Culinary Arts or Hospitality training is an asset. Valid Ontario G-class driver's license and clean driver's abstract (required). First Aid/CPR (current or willingness to obtain).

Experience:

Food Truck Experience (required) Experience working with diverse populations, including marginalized communities, is preferred. Driving and maintaining larger vehicles is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Forward-thinking and motivated Critical Thinking Organizational Skills are essential Ability to work with and direct volunteers Collaborative work environment Willing to take on other duties as needed Understanding of basic nutrition Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage respectfully with clients, volunteers, and community partners.

Other Requirements:

Criminal record check (VSC) completed Ability to be on your feet for long periods Ability to bend and lift to 25 lbs

Working Conditions

The Food Truck Cook & Outreach Worker role involves both kitchen and community environments.

Food preparation in a compact, mobile kitchen setting with exposure to heat, sharp tools, and other hazards. Driving and operating a large food truck in various weather conditions. Regular interaction with clients experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction, and other barriers. Standing for extended periods, lifting, bending, and repetitive motions. Exposure to variable noise levels, outdoor environments, and frequent interruptions. Participation in community events, fundraisers, and donor engagement activities. The Food Truck Cook & Outreach Worker is expected to model professionalism, compassion, and dignity in service. All work must comply with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, Public Health regulations, and Ark Aid policies.
Working conditions include:

Exposure to hot surfaces, sharp equipment, and commercial kitchen hazards

, including steam, heat, and slippery floors. Compliance with all safety protocols and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required.

Standing for extended periods of time

, bending, lifting, and repetitive motion. The role involves lifting and moving food items and supplies weighing up to 50 lbs.

Variable noise levels

and frequent interruptions while coordinating volunteers, accepting donations, and preparing meals.

Exposure to donated food items

, which may vary in packaging, labelling, and condition, requires careful inspection and safe storage procedures.

Working with diverse volunteer teams

, requiring effective communication and the ability to support individuals from a variety of backgrounds and skill levels.
The Chef is expected to model professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to food safety and dignity in service. All work must be conducted in compliance with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, Public Health guidelines, and Safe Food Handling practices.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 - 44 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance On-site parking
Work Location: In person