Kitchen Lead

Kitchen Lead About Rainbow Community Places (RCP)

Rainbow Community Places is a non-profit, community-based agency that is committed to empowering 2

SLGBTQIA+ people by building community in safe(r) spaces across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We connect, support, and empower 2

SLGBTQIA+ communities through engaging programs and experiences. Our vision is to build a community where every queer person feels safe(r), supported, and can flourish. Our core values include Community, Nourishment, Safety, Inclusivity, Integrity, and Empowerment.

Rainbow Community Places is seeking a dedicated and organized Kitchen Lead to manage our meal programs for both Dorothy's Place (a drop-in lunch program for 2

SLGBTQIA+ seniors) and Toby's Place (an after-school drop-in for 2

SLGBTQIA+ youth).

Nourishment is a core value at RCP; we commit to nourishing the mind, body, and self of our community members through meals that meet their holistic needs. We are seeking a Kitchen Lead to ensure consistency in meal planning, grocery purchasing, and high-quality food preparation for two distinct programs:
Dorothy's Place (seniors) and Toby's Place (youth). The Kitchen Lead will be supported by and expected to provide leadership to volunteers who assist at the programs. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, organized, and empathetic self-starter who excels at food preparation within a budget, fosters team buy-in, and understands the unique nutritional and social needs of youth and senior community members.

If you are an organized, resourceful, and empathetic individual who believes in the power of community to transform lives, we want to hear from you!

• Meal Operations: Lead all aspects of Monday meal service—including food preparation, cooking, dietary accommodation tracking, and kitchen clean-up for both Dorothy's Place (lunch) and Toby's Place (dinner). Model and manage kitchen closing procedures alongside staff and volunteer teams.
• Planning & Logistics: Handle weekly meal planning, inventory/pantry tracking, and grocery shopping within a set budget. Consult regularly with Dorothy's Place and Toby's Place Program Coordinators to ensure menus align with participant preferences, program plans, and nutritional goals. Retain and submit to RCP Treasurer all invoices and receipts for grocery purchases.
• Volunteer Management: Supervise and direct kitchen volunteers during Monday shifts, ensuring proper food handling, health and safety compliance, sanitation protocols, and a supportive, team-oriented work environment.
• Kitchen Stewardship: Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, including regular deep cleans of the fridge (monthly) and freezer (quarterly).
• Safety: Ensure all kitchen activities adhere to health and safety standards and contribute to the safe(r) space policy of the organization.
• Communication and Team Engagement:Maintain open, constructive communication with Program Coordinators and the Board. Seek team buy-in when proposing kitchen policy or workflow changes, and raise operational concerns through established supervisory channels.

• Strong experience in food preparation, batch cooking, and kitchen management within a community, non-profit, or food service setting.
• Demonstrated experience in menu-based grocery shopping, budget-conscious purchasing, and managing pantry and fridge/freezer inventory.
• Candidates must either possess a valid driver's license with reliable vehicle access for grocery procurement OR have proven experience arranging and coordinating food delivery logistics.
• Experience planning inclusive menus celebrating cultural diversity while adhering to strict budgetary boundaries.
• Capacity to lift, move, and set up tables, chairs, heavy food…