Procurement & Industry Partnerships Advisor

"Canada’s National School Food Program is just getting started. Help make plant-based the default."

Jason Fonger Education Services

Volunteer Opportunity: Procurement & Industry Partnerships Advisor

Jason Fonger Education Services is developing a new plant-forward school food program: connecting engaging food literacy education and student taste tests with practical efforts to make plant-based protein foods more accessible in schools. The goal is to use staff engagement, student assemblies and taste testing, procurement support, and follow-up to help schools make plant-based protein foods part of their ongoing food offerings.

The aim is to build a repeatable model, starting strategically across Ontario regions and eventually reaching schools elsewhere in Canada. Jason has already succeeded in offering half-day certification workshops for Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students and full-day, hands-on food experiences across more than 20 school boards.

Canada’s National School Food Program is just getting started, and the menus, habits, and procurement norms set now will last. Join as a volunteer to help make plant-based foods a core part of the program from the beginning.

We’re seeking an experienced professional who can contribute a few hours each week to help connect food companies, suppliers, and school food partners.

What you’ll do

• Build relationships with manufacturers, distributors, and school food partners.
• Gather useful product information, including pricing, pack sizes, availability, ingredients, storage requirements, and ordering options.
• Help identify barriers to school purchasing and practical ways to address them.
• Support coordination of product samples with the event coordinator.
• Use student feedback to guide follow-up conversations about ongoing purchasing.
• Maintain a concise record of partner contacts, opportunities, and next steps.

Who would thrive in this role

• You have experience in procurement, foodservice, supply chains, food manufacturing, distribution, account management, or institutional partnerships.
• You understand that a promising product also needs to be affordable, available, and workable for the people serving it. You communicate well, build relationships thoughtfully, and enjoy solving practical problems.
• School food experience is welcome, but not essential. A commitment to healthier, more sustainable and inclusive food environments is central to the role.

We have a strong preference for Canadians or individuals familiar with the Canadian school food landscape.

Time and location

Approximately 2–4 hours per week, primarily remote, with a brief regular check-in. Some food partner conversations may require weekday availability. Ideally, you can commit for a period of at least three months.

What you’ll gain

• An opportunity to use your industry knowledge to improve school food access, connect with committed food system partners, and help develop purchasing pathways that other schools can use. 
• The opportunity to shape what Canadian kids eat for decades to come, and bring more plant-based options into school meals from day one.

Volunteer status and future opportunities

This is initially an unpaid volunteer role. Paid contract work may become available as funding and program needs develop, but is not guaranteed.

Interested?

Complete this Google Form by Sunday, October 25, 11:59 PM ET.

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