Arizona Seeks New FoodCorps Members
Calling the passionate foodies eager to get their hands dirty!
FoodCorps is a national non-profit that connects kids to healthy food in school, so they can lead healthier lives and reach their full potential. In Arizona, FoodCorps is seeking new leaders to be based in schools around the state and work with young children and the greater school community. To support the growth of a healthy school setting, this candidate will teach gardening, nutrition, and food system education while also promoting food justice and environmental sustainability. As an AmeriCorps program, FoodCorps is geared toward leadership development and hope to grow the knowledge of their service members through experience and training. If you are passionate about social justice and helping kids grow up healthy, they want you to apply!
FoodCorps in Arizona
Arizona is diverse in both landscape and culture. While many parts of Arizona experience winter snowfall, much of the state stays warm enough to grow crops year-round. Arizona’s warm desert climate is known for citrus, cotton, and lettuce production. Yuma and it’s surrounding area provide 90 percent of leafy vegetables grown in the United States during the winter months. Because perennial streams and rivers are rare, farmers and gardeners strive to find sustainable means for food production including water-harvesting and indigenous seed selection.
Arizona is diverse in culture as well. The state is home to 22 Indian tribes. The history and culture of each tribe shapes the local landscape in distinct ways. Because Arizona was at one point part of Mexico, Southern Arizona is still greatly influenced by Mexican culture. FoodCorps service members currently serve in five Native communities within the state, giving them a unique opportunity to learn the histories and address challenges of local communities. Arizona’s diverse landscape provides service members with a wide range of experiences providing them the space to learn about Native, Mexican and Southwestern food cultures while developing a deeper understanding of how to grow in this unusual climate.
New in 2018 are two host sites located at districts within Maricopa County: Osborn and Cartwright. Additional positions are open in Tuba City, Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson.
FoodCorps is seeking several candidates with the following qualifications:
Must have experience and desire to work with children (K-5).
Must be able to relate well to youth, teachers, administrators, parents, and other youth facilitators.
A desire to learn about undoing racism and building relationships with indigenous communities.
Possess some knowledge of the local food system and/or agriculture.
Must have excellent organizational and communication skills.
Must be reliable, accountable, and a team player.
Must have access to reliable transportation.
In exchange for your service, FoodCorps members will receive:
$18,250 living stipend paid out in bi-weekly increments over your 11.5-month term
$5,920 AmeriCorps Segal education award upon successful completion of your term of service, which can be used for additional schooling or to pay off student loans
Student loan deferral or forbearance upon approval from your lender
Health insurance and SNAP (food stamps) eligibility
If you have children, you might be eligible for childcare reimbursements
Numerous training and professional development opportunities
The experience of a lifetime!
If you are interested in applying for this unique FoodCorpsService Member position, start theonline application today, and select Arizona as your preferred state. If you have any questions, please contact FoodCorps Arizona Recruiter, Elena Greenberg. The application deadline is March 15th!