The Fund for Public Health in New York City (FPHNYC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to the advancement of the health and well-being of all New Yorkers. To this end, in partnership with the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (Health) Department), FPHNYC incubates innovative public health initiatives implemented by the Health Department to advance community health throughout the city. It facilitates partnerships, often new and unconventional, between government and the private sector to develop, test, and launch new initiatives. These collaborations speed the execution of demonstration projects, effect expansion of successful pilot programs, and support rapid implementation to meet the public health needs of individuals, families, and communities across New York City.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Stellar Farmers Markets (SFM) program is seeking community chefs with an interest in promoting community wellness through interactive recipe demonstrations for a 21-week Culinary Educator job opportunity from mid-June through November. SFM staff engage New Yorkers in interactive nutrition education workshops at NYC farmers markets located in underserved and under-resourced neighborhoods. The goal of SFM is to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables by building on New Yorkers’ knowledge and skills about healthy eating.

Through a comprehensive training program, educators will build professional skills encompassing public speaking, facilitation using a trauma-informed approach, and delivering culturally responsive culinary demonstrations all while promoting the joy of food and community connection.

This opportunity offers a unique chance to gain insights into a community nutrition education program and contribute to public health equity efforts. Culinary Educators will use their cooking knowledge and skills in a local food and community nutrition setting and participate in trainings and networking opportunities with emerging public health professionals and Health Department staff. Ample support and opportunities for feedback will be provided via monthly meetings and reoccurring check-ins with program leads and teammates. Upon completion of the season, Culinary Educators will receive a Community Nutrition and Food Education Certificate, in recognition of their community work and for the completion of SFM trainings.

Situated within the NYC Health Department’s Healthy Eating Unit within the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention (BCDP), SFM is funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) through a contract with New York State Health Department’s Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables program. BCDP strives to reduce the burden of chronic disease, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, among New Yorkers. BCDP focuses on nutrition, tobacco use, the built environment, and reducing the impact of cancer and hypertension. We do this work with an understanding of the structural forces, including a history of discrimination and social injustices, that contribute to inequitable chronic disease health outcomes.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Culinary Educators will work as part of a team of at least three people to prepare and deliver nutrition and cooking workshops in-person at NYC farmers markets from July to November 2025.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As representatives of the Health Department, Culinary Educators will:

• Participate in a required, paid 5-day training in June 2025 (June 17^th, 18^th, 20^th, 23^rd, and 24^th).
• For the entirety of the season, participate in required monthly staff meetings at the Health Department’s office in Long Island City, Queens, to share program updates, collaborate on building team communication and teamwork, and receive role specific training and support.
• Prepare for and implement interactive cooking demonstrations, using recipes that feature local and seasonal produce as part of nutrition education workshops.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of three or more at each workshop site which includes a Nutrition Educator, responsible for leading the team and implementing the nutrition education lesson, and a Bilingual Educator, responsible for interpretation.
• Prepare for and implement trauma-informed culinary demonstrations in accordance with program curriculum and recipes at assigned locations.
• Actively assist with and ensure proper set-up and breakdown of tent, cooking equipment and educational materials.
• Maintain food safety, including cleaning and sanitation of all cooking equipment used in cooking demonstrations.
• Market and promote program at farmers markets to ensure required level of participation is achieved.

This paid position is part-time and seasonal to coincide with the regional growing season. Up to 6 applicants will be selected for this role. Selected Culinary Educators must commit to their assigned 2 farmers markets or farmstand sites, including one weekend site. Culinary Educators will report to the Nutrition Educator (onsite team leader) and the JSY Nutrition Project Coordinator, and their work hours will align with farmers market schedules.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Basic knife skills and ability to execute basic cooking techniques
• Experience or training in nutrition or culinary arts
• Commitment to and strong interest in teamwork and effective communication practices
• Dynamic personality and excellent presentation, interpersonal, and communications skills
• Ability to adapt recipes to reflect the food culture of communities served
• Knowledge about regional produce
• ServSafe certification or successful completion of the NYC Food Protection course (prior to June 17^th, 2025)
• Ability to work in multi-cultural settings with racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse populations
• Willing and able to stand for long periods of time and work outside in inclement weather conditions
• Willing and able to regularly lift and transport items weighing up to 25 pounds (to and from storage site and workshop location each market day)