About The Organization
ReFED is a
U.S.-based nonprofit working to catalyze the food system to take evidence-based action to stop wasting food. We do this by cultivating and convening the food community, delivering actionable evidence and insights, and seeding and accelerating food waste solutions. Starting with the 2016 Roadmap to Reduce U.S. Food Waste, ReFED has produced first-of-their-kind tools and resources, providing a full-supply-chain picture of U.S. food waste, cost-effective solutions to reduce it, and methods to track progress. In 2021, ReFED launched the Insights Engine, an online data center serving as the next generation of data, insights, and guidance on U.S. food waste reduction. Reducing food waste will have a significant impact on mitigating climate change, optimizing the use of water, land, and other resources, and providing meals for the over 47 million people in the United States who currently face food insecurity. We are continuing to grow our team to further build our capacity to achieve our vision of a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system that makes the best use of the food we grow.
Location: Remote / Virtual
Time Commitment: ~1 hour per month through end of 2026
ReFED is seeking experienced professionals from a wide range of industries and functional backgrounds to serve as volunteer mentors in our Mentorship Program. This program pairs ReFED staff with external mentors to support learning, professional growth, and exposure to new perspectives and ways of working. Mentors play a critical role in helping mentees think expansively about their development, navigate challenges, and build skills aligned with their goals. We intentionally welcome mentors from diverse fields—not limited to the food system—to encourage cross-disciplinary learning and idea exchange.
What to expect:
- A virtual mentoring relationship with one ReFED staff member
- Approximately one meeting per month (or a mutually agreed-upon cadence)
- A mentee-led experience, with the mentee responsible for scheduling and agenda-setting
- A commitment intended to continue through the end of 2026
- Thoughtful, goal-oriented conversations focused on learning, growth, and professional development
Who We Are Looking For:
- Have 8-10+ years of professional experience, or equivalent experience
- Prior mentoring experience is welcome but not required
- Have experience leading, influencing, or developing others (formally or informally)
- Are reflective, curious, and open to perspectives outside your own field
- Can commit to approximately one hour per month on a consistent basis
Benefits of Being a Mentor:
- Make a meaningful impact by supporting professional growth while contributing to ReFED’s mission to reduce food waste
- Gain access to innovative minds working across the food waste movement, while engaging in reciprocal, cross-sector learning and new ways of thinking
- Develop and refine coaching, leadership, and mentoring skills through a structured, but flexible experience
- Participate in a virtual, mentee-led program with a manageable time commitment (~1 hour per month)
- Receive 50% off registration for the 2026 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit
If you’re interested in contributing your time and perspective to support emerging talent at ReFED, we encourage you to apply. Deadline to apply is Friday February 20, 2026.
