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CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Food Rescue Lead at Center for Healthy Communities, CSU Chico

Location: Chico, California

Number of Positions Available: 2

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 8AM - 4PM, 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 4 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

Fellows will serve within a supportive and mentorship focused environment at the Center for Healthy Communities, with guidance from experienced staff working at the intersection of sustainability, food systems, and community health. The position offers hands on training in climate action, edible food recovery, and local food systems, along with professional development opportunities through Chico State, CSU Learn, and regional food system partners. Fellows will gain practical experience and connections that support career pathways in sustainability, food access, and climate focused community work. 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

530 Food Rescue Coalition (530 FRC) is an innovative food recovery project spearheaded by the Center for Healthy Communities (CHC) in Butte County. This groundbreaking initiative harnesses the power of technology and community spirit to rescue perfectly good food from being wasted. Through our custom-built app, we mobilize volunteers to bridge the gap between food retailers and food-distributing non-profits, aiming to recover an impressive 300,000 pounds of food. At the heart of our efforts are our core values of compassion, mentorship, wellness, integrity, equity, collaboration, and sustainability, which shape both our mission and our vibrant organizational culture. At CHC, we foster an environment that's supportive, collaborative, and fun. We are committed to advancing higher education and elevating student success and career readiness. Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Engage with weekly farmers’ markets to support the implementation of the market match program
  • Rescue food donations from partnering entities and deliver to nonprofit partners
  • Coordinate volunteers to facilitate seamless food rescue, ensuring donations reach those in need
  • Expand and diversify the volunteer network across all areas of Butte County
  • Educate volunteers and community organizations on the negative impact of organic waste in landfills and the role that surplus edible food recovery can play to mitigate food insecurity and climate change
  • 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, and experience in community outreach, data/quantitative analysis, diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), 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, public speaking/facilitation, and volunteer management & engagement. Access to a reliable vehicle and must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Hmong or 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 Center for Healthy Communities at CSU Chico

Center for Healthy Communities (CHC) at CSU Chico, established in 2001, has since expanded to over 30 programs serving communities statewide, including the 12 counties within Chico State’s service area. With a diverse team spanning various disciplines, CHC is renowned for its faculty achievements and excellence in community health promotion, offering services that range from food security and nutrition education to fitness initiatives and local food system support. CHC provides resources and training to thousands of California residents, fostering healthier communities and promoting social change. More info: chcchicostate.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.