Food Recovery Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Food Recovery Fellow at FoodCycle

Location: Los Angeles, 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 9AM - 5PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 of these hours are dedicated to professional development. This is a hybrid position, onsite 3 days per week.

**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.

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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.

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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.

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Program Benefits

FoodCycle offers hands-on experience in food justice, sustainability, and community engagement. Fellows gain access to professional development, mentorship, and networking. Opportunities include workshops on food recovery and climate policy, leadership and project management skill-building, and collaboration with passionate peers. Serving in a dynamic, mission-driven environment, Fellows make a tangible impact on food insecurity and climate action. 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

FoodCycle is a rapidly growing Los Angeles-based nonprofit focused on the dual mission of feeding people and diverting food from landfills. We incorporate innovative technology and original solutions to reduce the climate impact by recovering excess food and using electric vehicles and an app to support a large volunteer network. FoodCycle collaborates with a wide range of community-based nonprofits addressing food insecurity throughout the city and partners with both businesses and the government to recover more food and feed more people. Join us in our quest to divert food from landfills, fight food insecurity, and combat the effects of systemic racism. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop strategies and materials to engage and attract potential food donors through outreach and education
• Expand and strengthen our volunteer base with targeted recruitment efforts, comprehensive training, seamless coordination, and ongoing support to aid in the distribution of recovered foods
• Conduct weekly food runs—implementing quality control evaluations to recommend operational improvements and expansion opportunities
• 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

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs in diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), and experience in community outreach, composting, data/quantitative analysis, edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, Google suite, graphic design, marketing & social media, Microsoft Office Suite & Teams, multi-stakeholder collaboration, project management, public speaking/facilitation, technical writing, and volunteer management & engagement. Access to a reliable vehicle and must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in 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 FoodCycle LA:

FoodCycle LA, a not-for-profit network, is focused on creating systemic change. FoodCycle recovers and diverts surplus food to communities experiencing food insecurity, partnering with retailers to divert surplus food away from landfills to hundreds of community-based nonprofits that feed their communities. FoodCycle relies on a large network of volunteers to support its mission to Feed People - Not Landfills! More info: foodcyclela.org

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Apply Today!

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. 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.