Food Access Associate

About Fresh Start Farms
Fresh Start Farms is a collective brand representing the entrepreneurial farmers participating in the New American Sustainable Agriculture Program (NASAP), a program of the Organization for Refugee & Immigrant Success (ORIS). As a project of ORIS, Fresh Start Farms supports refugee and immigrant farmers in building successful farm businesses while increasing access to fresh, local food across New Hampshire.

ORIS is a non-profit, community-based organization that helps refugees and immigrants achieve self-sufficiency and leadership in their new communities. ORIS provides training, resources, and opportunities through sustainable agriculture, food access, victim advocacy, youth development, and workforce readiness programs.

You will be working at the Fresh Start Food Hub, which opened in 2020. The Hub manages the aggregation, marketing, and distribution of produce grown by Fresh Start Farmers and other local producers. We distribute food through a CSA FarmShare, mobile markets, wholesale partnerships, a retail market, and a variety of food access initiatives.

Our mission-driven team works collaboratively to support our farmers and customers. Team members bring diverse backgrounds, unique perspectives, and a shared passion for building a more equitable food system. Working at Fresh Start Farms means making a meaningful impact—not only in the local food economy, but also in the lives of refugee and immigrant farmers and the broader community.

Fresh Start Farms offers a collaborative and supportive work environment with opportunities to learn, grow, and take on leadership roles. Whether developing new skills or managing complex projects, team members gain experience that builds lasting career skills while contributing to positive change in our food system and community.

Job Overview

The Food Access Associate will play an essential role in the operations of Fresh Start Food Hub. Responsibilities include receiving and packaging produce, packing boxes, setting up and shutting down the Mobile Market and assisting with the busiest stop on Thursdays from 4:00pm-7:00pm.

Our Mobile Market is a farm stand on wheels that brings fresh, locally-grown food directly to communities with limited access, making it easier and more affordable to enjoy healthy produce. It connects New Hampshire farmers with residents by eliminating the need to travel to a farm, farmers market, or grocery store. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative, impactful, and community-driven organization while building a more vibrant, inclusive, and thriving local food system.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Pack produce according to weekly orders.
• Wash, weigh, bag/bunch and package produce items.
• Receive products and ensure produce meets Fresh Start Farms’ quality standards.
• Deliver produce to our Healthy Corners partners, take back unsold produce and keeping a donation/shrink log.
• Assisting the Food Access Manager with pre-packing for markets, restocking between stops as needed and ensuring the trailer is cleaned and organized at the end of the week.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment at the Food
• Hub and on the Mobile Market; including but not limited to box breakdown, sweeping, dishes, mopping and log maintenance.
• Troubleshoot any logistical problems that arise.
• Provide personable and proactive service to all customers, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Assist with other Fresh Start Farms duties and special projects as assigned.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Work experience in inventory management, driving/delivery, customer service, agriculture/farming, non-profits, or other relevant areas.
• Familiarity with produce varieties, seasonality, and produce quality standards.
• Food Safety Certification (i.e. ServeSafe) or willingness to gain.
• Proficiency in another language will be considered an asset (Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Maay Maay, Nepali, Spanish, Swahili etc.).  Multilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates with first-hand or lived experience in new American communities are especially encouraged to apply.
• A demonstrated interest in food systems, sustainable agriculture, community development, and/or issues impacting American communities.

Requirements: 

• A valid driver’s license and a proven track record of operating a vehicle safely with no major violations on your record.
• Comfortable driving a van/truck.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Ability to load and unload trucks quickly and efficiently.
  Intermediate English proficiency (ability to verbally communicate with staff and customers, read produce orders and delivery routes, and assist with other operations as needed).
• Able to work:
  Tuesdays: 8am-4pm
  Wednesdays: 8am-4pm
  Thursdays: 11am-7pm
• Ability to work in wet, hot, and cold environments.
• Work collaboratively across the Fresh Start Food Hub team.
  Strong time management, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
• Positive attitude and love for food and people. 

ORIS is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.