About Second Harvest Santa Cruz County:

Come join Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County! We are the first food bank in the State of California, and the second in the nation. We pride ourselves in providing 10 million pounds of food annually to over 65,000 people per month through our network of 150-member agencies and programs. We believe that a thriving community is one where everyone has access to nutritious food to support their health and wellbeing. Our team is dedicated to inspiring and supporting our community to provide nourishment for all community members.

About the Position:

Committee members serve as a liaison between community participants and Second Harvest Food Bank by sharing your perspectives and experiences as recipients of food from Second Harvest Food Bank (SHFB) or one of its many Partner Agencies in Santa Cruz County. They are responsible for attending monthly Participant Advisory Council meetings and serve as an advocate for community members receiving food. They provide feedback and advice on ideas for initiatives, policies and programs that enhance the mission of SHFB.

Council members serve as a resource for communication. Finally, they also provide input on issue-specific matters as identified by the Board and/or CEO, CPO or other leadership team members sometimes regarding current and emerging issues facing SHFB.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership
  • Serve on the Advisory Committee and attend monthly 1.5-hour committee meetings
  • Build community and relationships with other committee members, connecting to common values and ensure committee engagement and retention
  • Assist with outreach events
• Food Bank Program Feedback
  • Provide feedback and advice on ideas for initiatives, policies and programs that enhance the mission of Second Harvest
  • Communicate any participant or distribution site concerns to the committee and collaborate on solutions
• Advocacy
  • Serve as an advocate for participants receiving food from SHFB or affiliated partners
  • Be vocal, speak-up, attend conferences and community meetings
  • Engage participants to determine the needs of the community
  • Serve as the face of the foodbank, representing the organization with a high level of professionalism
  • Promote SHFB and/or programs to prospective participants and the community

Knowledge & Skills:

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships and deal tactfully and cooperatively with staff, volunteers and other committee members
• Demonstrate respect, concern, and empathy for the needs of participants
• Have a cooperative attitude and willingness to learn

Other Requirements:

• Spoken Language Proficiency Options
  • English Speaking Only -or-
  • Spanish Speaking Only -or-
  • Bilingual/Multilingual
• Attend Monthly Committee Meetings
• Collaborate with fellow committee members to finalize the charge and responsibilities of the committee
• Travel Expectations
  • All meetings will be held in person at Second Harvest Food Bank in Watsonville CA
  • Remote participation may be available after the first committee meeting