Community Culinary Educator (48368)

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<