The Crawford County Farm to School Program is seeking candidates to fill two AmeriCorps positions. AmeriCorps members will work with the Prairie du Chien, Seneca, and Wauzeka-Steuben school districts in Crawford County to expand the purchase of local seasonal foods in school meal and snack programs and provide student education about fresh seasonal foods.
AmeriCorps members will have three main areas of focus: 1) working with school food service personnel and local farmers to increase the amount of local foods served at the schools 2) food and nutrition education and 3) building the capacity and sustainability of the program through volunteer development and outreach. Members will work the Crawford County UW Extension Community Development Educator and school based farm to school committees to create progress based on an annual plan of work. Activities will include assisting with ongoing fresh snack programs, coordinating school based farm to school committees, overseeing school garden harvesting, planning, and volunteers, writing and distributing monthly newsletters, coordinating and teaching lunchroom food tastings and nutrition lessons, coordinating with local farmers and food service staff, community presentations, and other activities as needed.
AmeriCorps members will work primarily with elementary and middle school students,
teachers, farmers, food service personnel, parents, and a wide range of community partners
including the UW Extension office and the University of Wisconsin Extension Nutrition Education
Program. Members may have limited office space and services in Prairie du Chien but may work primarily from a home office.
AmeriCorps members will be part of a larger team of 20 AmeriCorps members who implement farm-to-school programs at sites around Wisconsin. Volunteers will report directly to the UW Extension Community Development Educator and will receive training from former farm to school AmeriCorps members, the state Farm to School AmeriCorps program and guidance from school based committees.
Required qualifications:
· Passion for inspiring healthful eating among youth and for promoting local agriculture
· Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills in a team setting
· Strong verbal and written communication skills
· Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet software, email programs and ability to
· efficiently perform internet research
· Ability to work independently and proactively
· Ability to provide one’s own transportation for work purposes (this will include travel to other school districts)
Desired qualifications:
· Experience in education, nutrition, environmental science, or agriculture
· Experience working with youth in an educational setting
· Volunteer or paid experience with socially, economically and/or ethnically diverse populations
· Experience working with food service in schools, restaurants, or other institutions
· Experience working with farmers
· Skillful in establishing and maintaining professional work relationships
· Experience recruiting and managing volunteers
· Familiarity with graphic design software
Appointment Type:
This may be structured as two, 50% one-year appointment positions or one 100% position depending on the availability and qualifications of candidates. The position will begin August 15, 2010 ( or as soon as possible) and end approximately August 31, 2011. Potential exists for renewing this position for an additional year, subject to funding. Work hours are flexible and will vary based on school start times. Hours will be primarily Monday through Friday but may include occasional evenings and weekends.
Compensation:
AmeriCorps members will receive a modest living allowance (approximately $475/month), student
loan deferment, and a $2,675 education award at the end of service. Limited reimbursement will be provided for travel to participating communities and training.
Application Procedure and Deadline:
Please submit a resume, two professional references, and a letter of interest including a statement
explaining why you think farm-to-school is important for Wisconsin schools by July 29, 2010 to Laura Brown, laura.brown@ces.uwex.eduor by post Crawford County UW Extension 225 N Beaumont Rd Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 Emailed applications are preferred. For more information 608-326-0223.
To Read More About Farm to School or AmeriCorps Initiatives in Wisconsin:
http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/business/marketing/val-add/farm_to_school/index.jsp
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