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Job Description
CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS
Food Rescue Fellow at
Heart of Compassion Distribution Location :
Montebello, California Number of Positions Available :
4
Time Commitment :
September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027 This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027. Fellows in this position commit to a 40-hour work week, Monday - Friday, approximately 8AM - 4:30PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 of these hours are dedicated to professional development. •Please note : Due to the full-time commitment of the Fellowship, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 21, 2026 - Aug 13, 2027 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship. —— About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship The California Climate Action Corps has over 400 positions available across California for the 2026-27 CCAC Fellowship. This is a climate-focused, workforce development program for emerging climate and environmental leaders. These are paid, full-time fellowships—similar to internships—with 170-340 dedicated hours for professional development and training, providing hands-on experience in the climate field. CCAC Fellows are matched with organizations across California to mobilize communities to take direct climate action and lead projects focused on wildfire resiliency, urban greening, and organic waste diversion. ——— Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19. ——— Program Benefits Fellows at Heart of Compassion will have the opportunity to be hands-on in helping the local community with their food security needs at the same time as being a positive impact in helping with climate action. Gain personalized professional development, mentorship, and access to a vast network of over 400 emerging climate leaders and 100+ leading organizations across California.
Other benefits include:
Receive a $35,250 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term Receive $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours) Participation in 170-340 hours of training and professional development Receive $300 in professional development funds Receive food assistance via CalFresh (for those eligible) Forbearance on existing qualifying student loans and interest payments accrued during the service term Minimum essential healthcare coverage Childcare assistance (for those eligible) Description of Duties Become a part of an impactful initiative centered on edible food recovery with Heart of Compassion Distribution! Our project focuses on expanding operations to rescue more edible food, diverting it from landfills, and reducing pollutants to combat the climate crisis—while feeding those in need. As a Food Rescue Fellow, you'll play a vital role in reaching out to local businesses, raising awareness of our mission, and recruiting volunteers to support food distribution efforts. By expanding our volunteer network and rescuing more food each month, you'll directly contribute to mitigating the release of methane gas generated by organic materials in landfills, while also helping to alleviate food scarcity. Support us in making a tangible difference in both food security and climate action in our community. Duties include, but are not limited to: Expand and strengthen volunteer recruitment through community engagement, targeted outreach strategies, partnerships with local organizations, and outreach events to aid in the distribution of recovered foods Cultivate relationships with local food producers and distributors to increase awareness, educate about the benefits of our program, and increase food donations Develop educational materials, social media campaigns, and conduct community outreach events to inform community members of volunteer opportunities Coordinate logistics, manage volunteer teams, and organize food donations to facilitate the distribution of rescued food to the local community Increase community engagement with community events and by sharing stories, climate impact, and volunteer opportunities on social media Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements Live in California by August 14, 2026 Be at least 18 years of age by August 14, 2026 Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate Preferred Qualifications/Skills Experience in community outreach, edible food recovery, marketing & social media, and volunteer management & engagement. Must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Mandarin or Spanish is a plus.
Other valuable contributions include:
An interest in climate change mitigation, volunteerism, or public service Experience with outreach, education, training, or community behavior change Fundamental understanding of climate change science, environmental policies in California, and/or environmental priorities Excellent organizational, writing, interpersonal, and speaking skills
About Heart of Compassion Distribution:
Heart of Compassion (HOC) Distribution is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food bank and social service organization dedicated to fighting hunger. Through our Fighting Hunger Feeding Hope program, we provide groceries twice weekly to 400 families, serving seniors, veterans, single parents, low-income individuals, and those experiencing homelessness. As a hub, we also supply smaller food pantries, helping feed about 3,000 people each week.
More Info:
heartofcompassionca.org —— Apply Today! Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply undergo a CCAC info session before June 19. Interviews will take place May-Aug, with all positions filled by September 4, 2026. This is a competitive program, and interviews are not guaranteed. CCAC is an equal opportunity Fellowship with a preference for candidates already living in the communities they will serve. Applicants can select up to 5 preferred positions within the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship application.
Job Types:
Full-time, Temporary Pay:
$3,204.00 per month
Benefits:
Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Tuition reimbursement People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
