Food & Nutrition Services and Purchasing Coordinator

Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and family support services in Orange and Sullivan Counties.

The Food and Nutrition Services and Purchasing Coordinator oversees all aspects of the program’s food service operations across multiple centers, ensuring compliance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), NYS Department of Health regulations, and Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS). This role supervises cooks and Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Aides, develops menus, manages food purchasing and inventory, and ensures safe food handling and preparation practices. The coordinator works closely with the Health and Disabilities Manager to support individualized nutrition needs, allergies, and menu modifications. This position provides oversight and support to both Orange and Sullivan Counties.

Core Responsibilities

Planning

• Plan menus in compliance with CACFP meal patterns, incorporating culturally and developmentally appropriate food options.

• Plan and coordinate purchasing of food and kitchen supplies, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality standards using fresh local produce where available.

• Use the USDA Food Buyers Guide to determine quantities for preparation.

• Plan for individualized menus to accommodate allergies, medical conditions, and special dietary needs.

• Monitor communication from NY CACFP for updates and implement changes as appropriate.

Program Implementation

• Supervise food preparation and service at all centers, ensuring compliance with CACFP, DOH, and HSPPS standards.

• Oversee safe food handling practices, including knife safety, sanitation, and proper storage.

• Review and approve monthly meal counts and CACFP claims for reimbursement.

• Ensure kitchens are equipped and maintained to meet program needs.

• Coordinate purchasing and delivery of food and dairy to each center.

• Communicate and coordinate with cooks and FNS Aides.

• Prepare meals in the absence of a cook or FNS Aide.

Family Partnerships

• Communicate with families regarding children’s dietary needs, allergies, and menu accommodations.

• Provide nutrition education resources to families in collaboration with Health and Disabilities staff.

• Prepare and distribute monthly menus to Center Liaisons.

Communication & Service Coordination

• Coordinate with Health and Disabilities Manager to ensure religious and medical accommodations are implemented in food service.

• Work with site leadership to address food service needs, equipment issues, or concerns.

Record Keeping & Reporting

• Maintain accurate documentation of menus, meal counts, CACFP records, and food purchasing receipts.

• Ensure timely submission of CACFP reimbursement reports and monthly totals.

• Maintain up-to-date inventory records for all food and kitchen supplies.

• Utilize Fund EZ to track and manage purchases.

Ongoing Monitoring & Self-Assessment

• Monitor kitchens for compliance with CACFP, DOH, and HSPPS requirements.

• Conduct regular site visits to assess food service operations and provide feedback to staff.

• Participate in annual self-assessment and external monitoring reviews.

Human Resources & Supervision

• Supervise and evaluate cooks and FNS Aides, providing training and support for continuous improvement.

• Ensure all food service staff are trained in CACFP requirements, food safety, civil rights in CACFP, and sanitation.

Program Governance & Leadership

• Present food service updates and reports as required.

• Recruit and supervise volunteers within food service areas, ensuring accurate in-kind documentation is submitted monthly.

Additional Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality of child, family, and staff information at all times in accordance with program policies and regulations.

• Travel between program sites and occasional overnight travel for training and conferences may be required.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program success and compliance with HSPPS and NYS OCFS regulations.

Head Start Employee Expectations

• Uphold the shared values of the center.

• Cooperate with co-workers, provide assistance, information or other support as needed to ensure quality service to children and families, and to build and maintain positive staff relationships.

• Actively participate in Head Start community, including staff meetings, mandated trainings, committee meetings, and other program-wide functions as needed, including some evening activities.

• Recognize that the job description is service-area specific and that successful employees uphold the overall employment standards outlined in the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, including but not limited to: confidentiality, child abuse reporting, attendance, dependability, appropriate dress, customer service, prudent use of resources, and safe work practices.

• Demonstrate integrity and responsibility by doing one’s personal best, being honest and ethical, and following through on commitments.

• Maintain a commitment to professionalism, continue professional development, and manage performance by setting goals, eliciting feedback, tracking progress, and addressing performance issues promptly.

• Exhibit flexibility by showing openness to new ways of doing things and adapting strategies when needed.

• Show initiative by identifying what needs to be done and acting before being asked.

• Stay familiar with Head Start Performance Standards and state regulations.

• Remain up to date on community needs, services, and agency resources to support families and assure program resources are relevant.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent coursework required in Food Service, Health, Education, Nutrition, or a related field.

• 3 years of experience in preparing meals with CACFP compliance.

• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and New York State OCFS childcare regulations.

• Demonstrated experience in supervising multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.

• Proficiency in relevant software systems for data management and reporting.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional manner.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Ability to perform duties safely and efficiently.

• Able to lift up to 40 pounds, stand, and bend as needed.

• Able to tolerate daily sitting at a computer and repetitive hand/wrist motions.

• Able to prioritize workload, multi-task, problem-solve, and meet deadlines.

• Comfortable handling frequent in-person, virtual, and phone contact with staff and the public, often involving confidential information.

• Must pass a physical examination, background check, and fingerprinting screen.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.