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Form of workPosition Summary:
Alongside the Civic Works’ Food and Farm staff, the Food Access Assistant will participate in distributing food to Healthy Food Priority Areas via the Mobile Farmers Market and Affordable Produce Delivery Program. The Distribution Assistant is expected to drive the distribution van and to maintain friendly, engaged community relationships at market stops and deliveries. The Food Access Assistant will participate in training activities throughout their term in order to improve their skills and understanding of food distribution, sustainable food system practices, and whatever skills they would like to learn to advance their careers.
Organization and Program Description:
Civic Works strengthens Baltimore’s communities through education, skills development, and community service. Civic Works goals are to build brighter futures through education and job training, grow healthy food and green communities, and create safe and affordable housing.
The Distribution Team will engage with organizational partners and community members daily, and will serve as the representatives of Real Food Farm when making market stops and home deliveries. Our distribution efforts provide food to Healthy Food Priority Areas (formerly known as “Food Deserts”). Our Affordable Produce Delivery Program provides older adults the option for low-cost local produce delivered safely to their door. The Distribution Team is responsible for tracking all distribution numbers and related data and will assist with Real Food Farm’s deliveries.
Days / Hours of Service:
Monday - Friday, 8am-4pm (40 hrs/ week), 12pm-8 pm on market days as assigned (Wed)
Member Service Activities:
Drive distribution van to scheduled stops and deliveries.
Engage with community members on a daily basis and provide thoughtful customer service to program clients including but not limited to weekly phone intake, answering questions about produce, taking feedback, farmers markets.
Maintain cleanliness of food packing, food storage, distribution vehicle spaces and equipment to maintain food safety standards.
Work with our enthusiastic volunteer team to process and pack produce for distribution.
Support the process of growing produce as needed: propagation, cultivation, harvesting, etc.
Assist with tracking distribution and engagement data.
Opportunity to develop and pursue individual projects of relevance to the Food and Farm Team
Terms of Service:
This position is a 1700 Hour AmeriCorps service term. The AmeriCorps member will receive training, professional development, a bi-weekly stipend of $1080, and an education award equal to $7395 upon successful completion of service that can be used for college, trade school, or to repay qualified student loans. In order to be a Civic Works AmeriCorps member, you must be at least 17 years old; a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or “lawful permanent resident alien”; and able to pass a drug test and criminal and sex offender background check.
As an AmeriCorps member you may NOT participate in the following prohibited activities during service hours:
Political Advocacy: AmeriCorps members cannot engage in political advocacy. They cannot advocate for legislation or for a political candidate in any way. They cannot conduct voter registration drives or lobby government officials at any level.
Religious Instruction: AmeriCorps members cannot engage in religious instruction. They cannot conduct religious studies, prayer groups, pastoral counseling, or any other activity promoting or providing information about religion. This does not prohibit AmeriCorps members from participating in non-religious activities at religious meetings or services
Abortion Referrals: AmeriCorps members cannot provide abortion services or referrals for receipt of such services.
Benefit a Business: AmeriCorps members cannot engage in service that benefits a for-profit business, a partisan political organization, or a labor union.
In addition, Civic Works AmeriCorps members may NOT participate in the following activities during service hours.
Clerical Service: AmeriCorps members may engage in clerical activities, such as photocopying, stuffing envelopes or answering phones for their own project. They cannot engage in these activities in assisting another person.
Fund Raising: AmeriCorps members cannot seek in-kind donations and assist with fundraising events, mailings, or other activities, write grants (or portions of grants) or participate in capital fund raising activities or campaigns.
The list above is a summary, for a detailed list of prohibited activities go to the following link: http://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/acprohibited_activities.pdf
QualificationsDesired Skills and Education:
Must be and remain drug free during the term.
Strong interest in food systems, farming, nutrition, public health, and/or the environment.
Ability to lift 40 lbs.
Willingness to serve in all weather: rain, heat, wind, and cold.
Willingness to learn, teach, and share with fellow members and community.
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Past marketing, farming, community engagement, and nutrition experience is a plus.
If an individual has not completed a high school diploma/GED, they must commit to actively work towards completion.
