For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges.

We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship.

The Salvation

Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

The Soup Kitchen Assistant

Supervisor coordinates the food services operations for a ministry unit, to ensure compliance with the Canada Food Guide and applicable health regulations; provides general coordination to the feeding program, through sourcing the food via donations and purchasing and coordinating its preparation and delivery to clients, coordinates the team of volunteers, may perform general cooking duties in preparing food items. Requires knowledge of basic kitchen equipment. This is an On Call Casual Position Works with other Salvation Army facilities to source food donations for various programs.

Builds and maintains valuable relationships with local businesses and agencies solicit donations and negotiates preferred pricing. Explains the feeding program and public relations for guests and visitors. Adapts work practices within specific parameters to ensure the efficient delivery of food services.

Creates, develops and maintains the menu, orders of food and supplies if required. Maintains and updates all appropriate documentation (menu, safety logbooks, donation tracking, meal planning, scheduling etc.) Coordinates and monitors food preparation to ensure all food and products are consistently prepared and served according to recipes, portioning, cooking and serving standards may assist with food preparation for special events. Decides on the appropriate, creative and efficient use of food, including donations to minimize wastage.





Monitors general cleanliness of Soup Kitchen area and meal preparation process to meet the standards of Food Safety. Participates in recruiting, orientation, training, development and evaluation of Food Services personnel including volunteers; Actively circulates among clients during meal program operating hours to ensure a welcoming environment, addresses client needs, and provides real-time support and assistance to volunteers to maintain smooth and efficient service delivery. Adapts work practices within specific parameters to ensure the efficient delivery of food services.

May refer clients to family services and food bank through meal program. Assists and calls authorities if clients are distressed. Controls cash, gift cards purchase by adhering to cash/gift cards handling and reconciliation procedures in accordance with The Salvation Army policies.

Purchases food from grocery stores if required. Plans and organizes entertainment, programs, special meals in accordance with ministry unit’s policy Takes responsibility for the ordering and monitoring of food and kitchen supplies and establishes guidelines for the security of food supplies and all cooking equipment. Financial, Material And Human Resourse Management Proper stewardship in minimizing food and material costs.

Accountable for the proper care/ usage/distribution of supplies/food received. The incumbent is responsible for the direct supervision of non-supervisory personnel. He/She has input into discipline, hiring or firing decisions or provides advice and guidance within the established guidelines.

The incumbent directly supervises up to 7 part-time equivalent volunteers.



Typical working location for this position is in a soup kitchen area in a ministry unit Church building and office environment. The performance of the job requires a frequent amount of standing, some lifting, and occasionally carrying supplies and walking.

The performance of the job requires frequent attention to adhering to safety procedures and regulations. The performance of the job requires moderate attention when menu planning, ordering supplies and reading recipes. May be exposed to the risks of minor harm, injury or illness due to: Exposure to toxic chemicals Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

Work in compliance with OH&S; Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures. Completion of a formal post-secondary program of one academic year Completion of up to two (2) years of Community College will be considered as an asset.

Food Secure

Level 1 Food Safe Level 2 will be considered as an asset Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certification WHMIS Training & Universal Precautions Training Other training as required by contract or The Salvation Army Two years of prior related experience, including one year of experience in areas of supervision and budgeting. Knowledge about food preparation and is familiar with kitchen equipment. Fluent in spoken and written English Completion of our online Armatus Abuse Training and required Health and Safety training Immunization for Hepatitis B and vaccination against Tuberculosis are suggested The performance of the job requires attentive listening (empathy to guests/volunteers/co-workers) and the ability to give directions.

It also requires frequent attention to the preparation of food, reading recipes, adhering to safety procedures and regulations and keeping track of what supplies are needed before running out. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

📌 Soup Kitchen Assistant Supervisor (Parksville)
🏢 The Salvation Army in Canada
📍 Parksville