Job – AmeriCorps VISTA Position: Ohio Farm to School

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The Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio Department of Education invite applicants for an AmeriCorps VISTA position for 2010-2011 working with the Ohio Farm to School Initiative.  We are looking for candidates with a B.A. who have initiative, are motivated and interested in Farm to School.  This position will develop resources and program models for Ohio schools and farmers by working with the State Farm to School Coordinator, ODA Sustainable Agriculture program staff and the five pilot farm-to-school districts in Southeastern Ohio.

Activities include but are not limited to: 1) Developing a PR campaign (kits) around farm to school for pilot school districts to implement in their communities and prepare kits for non-pilot schools; 2) Assisting with the development of the Ohio Farm to School Handbook; 3) Develop a plan for a student Farm to School advisory group – to advance the Farm to School Initiative in Ohio;4) Develop technical assistance fact sheets for non-pilot school districts, and;)5) Assist with Ohio Farm to School web development.

Candidates should ideally have a background or knowledge of local food systems, sustainable agriculture and/or education. We desire candidates with strong writing skills, research skills and good computer skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. This job requires the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively, common sense and strong listening skills. The position will be based at the Ohio Department of Agriculture in Reynoldsburg, Ohio (just outside of Columbus).

Applicants should apply by sending a cover letter, resume, a writing sample and a list of the names and contact information for three references.  Apply to https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=36431 More information on the Ohio Farm to School Initiative is available at https://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/FoodCouncil/FarmToSchool/FarmToSchool.aspx

The Ohio Farm to School Initiative is a joint project between the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Department of Education.  Farm to school initiatives involve connecting schools with local farms by bringing fresh, nutritious foods from local farms into school cafeterias and by offering students experiential learning opportunities through farm visits, food and nutrition educational activities, and an incorporated nutrition education curriculum. Such initiatives serve both to help support local farmers and keep food dollars in local economies, and to help create a generation of informed food consumer’s ― informed of the nutritional significance of their food choices, but also the economic, environmental, and social impact.