Research Intern

Position Available

Maryland Hunger Solutions, an initiative of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), seeks a highly motivated and skilled individual to join Maryland Hunger Solutions as a Research Intern. The intern will work with MDHS staff to protect and improve federal, state and local nutrition programs in the state of Maryland. This internship will be located in Baltimore, Maryland with some travel around the state as required. Currently, FRAC is operating remotely, and this position will be remote as well.

Organizational Background

The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) works to improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy, partnerships, and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions. To attain this mission, FRAC engages in research, policy analysis and advocacy, coalition-building, outreach, technical assistance and training, and an array of communications strategies. In partnership with hundreds of national, state and local nonprofit organizations, public agencies, corporations, schools, and labor organizations, FRAC addresses hunger and food insecurity, and poverty as their root cause.

Formed in 2007, Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS) works to reduce hunger and improve nutrition in the State of Maryland by improving participation in public nutrition programs. MDHS’s focus is on using federal programs (e.g., food stamps, called the Food Supplement Program in Maryland, school breakfast and lunch, summer and afterschool nutrition programs, WIC and other programs) to reduce hunger and its adverse effects; to improve economic security, health and nutrition; and to strengthen community institutions.

Responsibilities

The intern will work with MDHS and Johns Hopkins University staff on a research project examining the impact of school meal programs in Baltimore City and Montgomery County. Specifically, the project is analyzing the effect of the Community Eligibility Provision, which provides free school meals to all students in 229 schools across the state, including all Baltimore City Public Schools. Examples of work that the Research Intern may complete include: attending school events to survey parents/guardians; collecting and entering data; writing reports; communicating the purpose of the study to school staff, parents, etc.; working with both qualitative and quantitative data; and participation on an interdisciplinary study team. The Research Intern will also have opportunities to participate in other research projects, outreach efforts and policy advocacy.

Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years college education. Graduate student
• Good oral and written communications skills. Ability to present and speak in
• Detail-oriented.
• Strong planning and implementation
• Willingness to work varied
• Good organizational
• Self-starter; ability to work
• Excellent interpersonal skills; team
• Commitment to social justice; experience with SNAP/food stamp program a
• Experience with the Microsoft Office software, especially
• Conversant in Spanish, a
• Ability to travel around the state for meetings and events. (Must have own transportation; mileage will be )

Benefits

This internship can either be a paid position, at the rate of $17.80/hour, or done to meet course/program requirements for course credit.

Start Date

The start and end dates of the internship are flexible; however, the ideal candidate will be available for a 10-week internship. Interns are expected to work 20 hours per week.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume, along with 2 references

Opening/Closing Dates

The internship is available immediately. It will close when filled. However, FRAC seeks to hire a qualified individual as soon as possible.

FRAC is especially interested in candidates with lived expertise with hunger or poverty who can contribute to the diversity of the organization.

FRAC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. FRAC is firmly committed to a policy against discrimination based on age, gender, race, religious creed, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnic or national origin.