Food Sovereignty Coordinator

Social Development Full Time Merritt, BC $30 CAD per hour

Position Title: Food Sovereignty Coordinator

Department: Human Services

FTE/Hours: Full-Time, $30.00/hr

Location: Merritt, British Columbia, Canada

ABOUT LNIB

The Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) is a vibrant and growing First Nations community in British Columbia, committed to the well-being, culture, and prosperity of its members. LNIB provides a wide range of programs and services including health, education, social development, governance, and economic development initiatives.

We value innovation, collaboration, and respect for our traditions, and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and safe work environment for all employees. LNIB follows Indigenous governance principles and prioritizes community engagement, cultural knowledge, and sustainable development in all its operations.

Join LNIB and be part of a team that is making a meaningful impact in the community while contributing to a dynamic and culturally rich workplace.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Food Sovereignty Coordinator is responsible for developing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating food sovereignty initiatives, food security programs, community meal services, cultural food education activities, and community capacity-building initiatives that support wellness, traditional knowledge sharing, and sustainable food systems within LNIB.

This role works collaboratively with community members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, internal departments, and external partners to strengthen food access, increase self-sufficiency, promote traditional food practices, and support community wellness initiatives.

The Food Sovereignty Coordinator will support existing food programs and progressively assume leadership responsibilities related to community meal services including the Soup Kitchen and Meals on Wheels programs.

The position will also support community food access initiatives including large-scale food purchasing and distribution programs involving fruits, vegetables, salmon, meats, and other supplemental food supports intended to improve food security and wellness outcomes for Band and community members.

Future initiatives may include community cooking classes, canning workshops, food preservation activities, community gardens, harvesting initiatives, land-based learning opportunities, and food education programs.

This position requires strong organizational skills, relationship building abilities, cultural awareness, program coordination experience, and a commitment to Indigenous food sovereignty principles.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

FOOD SOVEREIGNTY & COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING

· Develop, coordinate, and implement food sovereignty initiatives and community food programs.

· Support food security planning and long-term sustainability initiatives.

· Assist with community gardens, greenhouse projects, seed programs, and local food production opportunities.

· Coordinate traditional food harvesting initiatives and cultural food activities where appropriate.

· Promote traditional food knowledge and culturally relevant food practices.

· Identify community food access barriers and recommend solutions.

· Develop strategies that improve food security and self-sufficiency within the community.

· Support emergency food response initiatives and seasonal food programs.

COMMUNITY MEAL SERVICES (SOUP KITCHEN & MEALS ON WHEELS)

· Support operations and future coordination of community meal programs including the Soup Kitchen and Meals on Wheels initiatives.

· Assist with long-term transition planning, program development, and operational oversight of meal services.

· Coordinate meal preparation schedules, service delivery activities, and distribution logistics.

· Organize meal delivery schedules, participant tracking, and service supports for Elders and community members.

· Collaborate with Elders programs, community services, volunteers, and support teams to ensure safe and efficient meal delivery.

· Monitor food inventory, kitchen supplies, purchasing requirements, and meal program needs.

· Support volunteer recruitment, scheduling, and coordination related to community meal initiatives.

· Assist with seasonal meal…