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 Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), FPHNYC incubates innovative public health initiatives implemented by DOHMH 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 Healthy Eating Unit within the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (DOHMH) Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention is seeking up to 3 part-time, temporary, Culinary Educators to implement Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables Stellar Farmers Markets (SFM), a program funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) via a contract with New York State Health Department. SFM provides nutrition education and food workshops to the public at farmers markets that serve New Yorkers with low incomes. The goal of SFM is to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables by building on New Yorkers’ knowledge and skills about healthy eating.
This position will be housed within the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention (BCDP) which strives to reduce the burden of chronic disease, including heart disease, obesity, and cancer, among New Yorkers. We work to address the impact of structural racism and other injustices that are a root cause of the inequitable prevalence, treatment and outcomes of chronic diseases in communities of color and among other marginalized communities. BCDP focuses on nutrition, tobacco use, the built environment, screening for cancer, and reducing the incidence and impact of hypertension. BCDP works with partners in government and the community to employ evidence-based policies, programs, communications and research aimed at shifting environments, changing systems and promoting health equity. The Bureau sits within the Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness.
Position Overview
Culinary Educators will work as part of a team of three to four people in the preparation and delivery of nutrition and cooking workshops either in-person at farmers markets or potentially virtual workshops from July-November 2022. Culinary Educators may also attend optional but highly encouraged monthly meetings on Monday afternoons at the DOHMH office in Long Island City, Queens. The Culinary Educator will report to the Nutrition Educator (onsite team leader) and JSY Nutrition Project Coordinator. Culinary Educators will be responsible for implementing interactive cooking demonstrations using recipes that feature local and seasonal produce. This paid position is part-time and seasonal to coincide with the regional growing season. Culinary Educators will be required to attend a paid 5-day training from June 20th- June 24th, 2022 and commit to working a minimum of 2 days per week (plus optional but highly encouraged monthly Monday afternoon meetings), including one weekend day, for the duration of the season. Culinary Educators’ hours depend upon and coincide with market schedules and/or virtual workshop schedules.
Responsibilities
- Prepare for and implement interactive cooking demonstrations as part of nutrition education workshops in accordance with program curriculum at assigned locations throughout NYC or in a virtual setting
- Collaborate with a 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
- Assist with and ensure proper set-up and breakdown of tent, cooking equipment and educational materials
- Maintain all COVID-19 safety protocols at workshop sites
- Maintain food safety, including cleaning and sanitation of all cooking equipment used in cooking demonstrations
- Follow curriculum and ensure integrity and fidelity of programming
- Market and promote program at farmers markets to ensure minimum required level of participation is achieved
- Maintain and encourage environmentally sustainable practices at workshop sites
- Attend optional but highly encouraged bimonthly meetings held virtually or at DOHMH offices in Long Island City, Queens (Monday afternoons)