Food Fit Program Instructor

Hamilton Jewish Family Services is committed to helping people in the spirit of Jewish values and traditions. Our current areas of community support are Poverty Reduction, Seniors Support, Life Navigation, and Mental Health. We work collaboratively with various community stakeholders and organizations and are committed to providing holistic support to clients and families

About FoodFit:

FoodFit is a 12-week wellness program designed by CFCC designed to help older adults make simple, sustainable changes to improve their health and well-being. The program focuses on three core goals:

• Eating nourishing foods
• Moving the body
• Building meaningful connections

Participants come together in a supportive, welcoming environment to cook affordable, nourishing meals, engage in accessible group physical activity, and enjoy a meal together. Rooted in both professional expertise and lived experience, FoodFit meets people where they are—without shame or pressure. At HJFS, the FoodFit program is kosher and vegetarian.

The Role:

We are seeking a FoodFit Instructor to plan and facilitate weekly sessions that combine cooking, movement, and connection. Sessions run once a week for 12 weeks and are designed to be engaging, practical, and achievable within a 3-hour timeframe.

Hours & Compensation:

• $25/hour
• 8 hours per week
• Paid 24 hours of training (online Food Safety certification, Food Fit modules and inclusive facilitation strategies)

Key Responsibilities:

• Adapt the provided FoodFit curriculum to meet the needs, abilities, and interests of senior participants within the HJFS program, ensuring accessibility, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity.
• Develop weekly program plans, including lesson content, recipes, shopping lists, and age-appropriate movement activities.
• Purchase and organize all program ingredients and supplies in accordance with the approved budget and food safety standards.
• Facilitate weekly FoodFit sessions, including teaching nutrition and wellness lessons, leading group discussions, and guiding participants through hands-on cooking activities.
• Create a welcoming, supportive, and engaging environment that encourages participation, confidence, and social connection among seniors.

Ensure cooking activities run smoothly and safely, following food handling and kitchen safety protocols.

• Manage set-up and clean-up of the kitchen and program space before and after each session.
• Use provided assessment and evaluation tools to track participant engagement, learning outcomes, and program impact.
• Communicate regularly with HJFS staff regarding program progress, participant needs, and any required adjustments.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of kosher food practices and the ability to follow kosher food preparation guidelines, working in collaboration with the on-site Mashgiach.
• Knowledge of food safety and safe food-handling practices; Food Handler training will be provided if not already certified.
• Understanding of nutritional considerations for older adults.
• Experience facilitating cooking classes and/or leading group programs in a community or educational setting.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently, including working closely with the Seniors Program Coordinator while independently planning and delivering sessions.
• Strong time management, organizational, and budgeting skills, with the ability to plan and run sessions efficiently within a set timeframe.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and a respectful, engaging approach when working with seniors.
• Access to a reliable vehicle for grocery shopping and program-related errands.

If you're passionate about food, health, and community—and enjoy helping seniors build skills, confidence, and connection in a supportive, hands-on setting—we'd love to hear from you

How to Apply Interested applicants are invited to email their resume and a brief cover letter to by January 23.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 8 per week

Work Location: In person