About
Food Forward is a comprehensive workforce development training program that prepares you for paid employment with Help Is Hope Foundation's innovative food rescue initiative. This program equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to rescue surplus food, support businesses with California food donation compliance, and deliver fresh meals to families across Stanislaus County—all while earning competitive wages and building a meaningful career. Through this training, you'll learn how to perform three interconnected job roles within Food Forward: Compliance Support & Documentation (helping businesses meet California SB 1383 mandatory food donation requirements), Food Rescue & Collection (coordinating daily pickups of fresh surplus food from restaurants, farms, and grocery stores), and Distribution & Community Delivery (operating mobile pantries and direct delivery services to underserved communities). This program centers lived experience as a professional qualification. If you've faced food insecurity, homelessness, or economic hardship, your firsthand knowledge becomes an invaluable asset in this work. You'll gain transferable job skills in food safety certification, compliance documentation, customer service, and transportation logistics—all while transforming from recipient to provider. Upon completion, you'll be prepared for positions including Food Recovery Coordinator, Collection Driver, Distribution Team Member, or Compliance Specialist. Training covers California food donation law and compliance requirements, food safety protocols and proper handling procedures, partnership building with food donors and community organizations, logistics coordination and route planning, and culturally responsive service delivery. This is your opportunity to earn income, gain career experience, and make a tangible difference in your community every single day.
You can also join this program via the mobile app. Go to the app