The North Carolina Association of Food Banks has completed a year-long study of the production, sale and distribution of the largest produce commodities in the state. The study concluded that North Carolina has an estimated 125 million pounds of surplus potatoes, apples, and cabbage that is either left in the field, or is harvested, but never consumed. Recent studies also show that 1 in 5 people in North Carolina struggle to put sufficient food on the table for their families. The Association has established the Farm to Food Banks initiative to expand our current efforts to capture some of this surplus agricultural food and distribute it to people in need.
The Vision of the North Carolina Association of Food Banks is a hunger-free North Carolina. Our mission is to provide a collaborative, collective force for NC Food Banks to provide access to healthy sufficient food for those in need. This position will play a key role in expanding our efforts towards that end.
We are hiring a full-time Produce Sourcing Representative in Raleigh, NC. to enhance and expand the food donations. This person will collaborate with individual Food Banks to execute a joint strategy that will do no harm to relationships with existing and potential donors. This position will work with farmers, pack houses and grocers to identify and recover unharvested, or unsold produce, by donation, and obtain and distribute these commodities through our seven food banks and their network of 2,500 partner food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens across the state.
Support organizational goals & objectives to secure as much fresh produce as possible for our member food banks, agencies, and clients.
Conduct face-to-face visits, meetings, and presentations (including donor’s facility and food bank tours) with current, lapsed, and prospective donors to secure donated product. Visits will be in conjunction with a member food bank food sourcing representative, or scheduled independently as a function of the State Association, with appropriate notification and collaboration with the food bank staff in that territory.
Familiarize self with Food Bank relationships with existing and potential donors ensuring that relationships are not harmed.
Communicate with food bank member partners who have Food Sourcing Staff to ensure quality standards, evaluate needs, and assist coordinating local, state and national donations to develop standard operating procedures.
Manage invoicing, VAP, transportation and donor communications when & where indicated in SOP.
Provide professional, responsive and appreciative customer service to all food industry partners, donors, and co-workers.
Maintain collaborative relationships with Feeding America national office and member network staff as required and needed.
Maintain regular communication with Feeding America’s Supply Chain, Product Sourcing, and Logistics departments.
Create marketing and communication materials to present state/regional statistics, along with local statistics for individual food bank members.
Track and report on donations by current donors, return of lapsed donors, and prospects turned to donors. Additionally, track donations by commodities/categories.
Build relationships with the North Carolina food industry and related industry organizations, including the N.C. Department of Agriculture, USDA agencies, N.C. State University Agricultural Extension Service, the N.C. Farm Bureau and similar groups.
Attend state association/food industry events, including trade shows, association meetings, and network conferences.
Complete Feeding America Certified in Food Resources training.
Provide training for member food resource staff upon request.
Collaborate with food bank members’ internal departments to maximize donation opportunities; including strategy meetings with operations, programs, and agency relations.
Manage activities in a cost-effective manner.
Travel as required to properly carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Perform other duties as assigned.
The NC Farm to Food Bank Sourcing Representative will have an outgoing personality, pleasant and personable, engaging. Conscientiousness, professionalism, and integrity are requisite. Candidate must be able to speak in public effectively. Must have ability to analyze demographics and other information, interpret and develop reports. Develop appropriate presentations for the public, donors, and board.
- Committed to organizational mission of ending hunger.
- 5 years experience in fresh produce industry – category management, procurement, and/or distribution preferred.
- Extensive fresh produce commodity knowledge.
- Supplier management preferred.
- Food bank experience helpful.
- Excellent written and presentation skills.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Ability to travel, valid NC driver’s license, and access to a personal vehicle.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Candidate must successfully pass a criminal background check prior to hiring.
This job description may be subject to modification to reflect changes in the requirements or functions of the position.
