Company description

Grateful Hearts Bennington crafts delicious, nutrient-dense, plant-forward meals to freely distribute to organizations serving the food insecure — from children to seniors. We gather produce from local farms to create meals that nurture those in need while supporting local agriculture, building community and sustaining our environment.

Job description

GRATEFUL HEARTS BENNINGTON

A Program of Greater Bennington Community Services

www.gratefulheartsbennington.org

HEAD CHEF

Are you a curious, creative cook with a passion for celebrating local produce? Do you want to develop your culinary creativity while making a meaningful difference? Grateful Hearts Bennington is looking for a chef who shares our philosophy: keep it clean, colorful, and close to the source — crafting nourishing meals that promote wellness and vitality for our recipients.

POSITION OVERVIEW
This is a 34-hour per week hybrid position — combining remote menu planning and administrative work with hands-on kitchen days. Compensation is $25/hour, with no regular weekends, evenings, or holidays.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Passion for plant-forward, produce-driven cooking

• Experience leading volunteers or kitchen teams safely and effectively

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• Proficiency with Google Workspace for scheduling, inventory, and budget tracking

• Food Safety Managers Certification (required)

RESPONSIBILITIES
Menu Planning

• Design and execute weekly menus aligned with Grateful Hearts' plant-forward cooking philosophy and available gleaned produce

Kitchen Leadership

• Lead volunteers safely and effectively on prep and cook days, producing 1,000+ meals per week

• Foster a joyful, collaborative, and organized kitchen culture

• Maintain kitchen operations in accordance with high standards of safety, cleanliness, and sanitation, and in compliance with the GHB HACCP plan

Inventory & Budget Management

• Manage inventory of produce and staples; maintain organized, safe storage spaces

• Purchase supplies as needed and collaborate with the Treasurer on budget management

Communications & Coordination

• Coordinate with glean and inventory teams to establish and maintain safe storage practices

• Support volunteer cooks, including managing weekly sign-ups and providing clear direction for prep and cook days

• Coordinate with the packaging team, including:

◦ Detailing all ingredients for each menu item

◦ Identifying preferred packaging type and size

◦ Designating fresh vs. frozen options

• Maintain timely, positive communication with all farmers, producers, distribution partners, hosts, and suppliers

• Provide the board with regular updates, needs, and suggestions in support of Grateful Hearts' mission

ABOUT GRATEFUL HEARTS BENNINGTON
Grateful Hearts crafts delicious, nutrient-dense, plant-forward meals to freely distribute to organizations serving the food insecure — from children to seniors. We gather produce from local farms to create meals that nurture those in need while supporting local agriculture, building community and sustaining our environment.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!

Deadline

no deadline