Summer Food Service VISTA Associate - DC Hunger Solutions

Positions Available

The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), in partnership with Hunger Free America, has openings for anti-hunger VISTA Summer Associates in its state-based initiatives headquartered in the District of Columbia and Baltimore, Maryland to help build capacity for the federal nutrition programs in those states.  These positions are a 10-week AmeriCorps/VISTA placement with FRAC’s statewide initiative D.C. Hunger Solutions. Currently, FRAC is operating on a Hybrid schedule, and this position will require some in person work.

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. Currently, FRAC is operating remotely, and this position will be remote as well.

D.C. Hunger Solutions (DCHS) is a FRAC initiative working to create local hunger-free communities and to improve the nutrition, health, economic security, and well-being of low-income residents of these communities.

Organizational Background – The Hunger Free America Summer Associate Program

The Hunger Free America Summer Associate Program aims to create more food secure families and support nutritious food choices. Summer Associate members will expand and support the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) improve awareness of nutritious food options at farmers’ markets and the use of SNAP benefits at farmers’ markets; and raise awareness of and eliminate barriers to SNAP and other food/nutrition-access services.

Goals and responsibilities of the summer associate include:

• Assist in the outreach for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and other federal nutrition programs in DC

• Provide technical assistance to SNAP participants with targeted focus on older adults and children.

• Utilize social media to promote SNAP Outreach.

• Assist in research projects documenting the use of federal nutrition programs.

• Collaborate with existing partner agencies- including community and faith-based organizations as well as local social service agencies.

• Assist in strengthening the capacity of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) by enhancing awareness and educating families focusing on the following:

Summer Meals outreach.
                Researching ways to promote summer meals.

Provide education for and increase access to security resources, including SNAP, WIC, and other local resources.

Recruiting volunteers.
• Improve access to nutritious food options by building the capacity and sustainability of farmers markets, community gardens, and/or nutrition education programs.

Skills and Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree, in progress; for a degree in a field related to social justice/anti-hunger.
• Good oral and written communications skills. Ability to present and speak in public on behalf of the organization.
• Detail-oriented planning and implementation skills.
• Willingness to work varied hours.
• Good organizational skills.
• Self-starter: ability to work independently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; team orientation.
• Knowledge of or interest in federal nutrition programs and hunger-related issues.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite products with ability to use Excel for data collection preferred.
• Conversant in Spanish, a plus.
• Ability to travel for local meetings and events when it is safe to do so.

Time Commitment

This is a short-term, 10-week, full-time position with an ideal start date in late May or early June. You are expected to be available for the needs of your community and project at all times, including days, nights and weekends. Because AmeriCorps VISTA service requires a full immersion in the project and community, Summer Associates may be able to have a part-time job outside of VISTA service; however, they will discuss this with their supervisor prior to starting their position.  Also, AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associates must adhere to some restrictions on political and religious activities while in service.

Housing

You are responsible for finding your own housing.  No housing allowance will be provided.

Program Benefits

• Bi-weekly living stipend (DC - $791.70)
• Segal Education Award $1311.11
• July 4 Holiday.
• Experience in the nonprofit sector.
• A network of over 180,000 AmeriCorps VISTA members and alums.

To Apply

Please click on the link below to submit a cover letter and resume, along with 2 references

To be considered for this position you must also complete the AmeriCorps application.

https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=89100

Please no phone calls.

The position 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.