Food Access VISTA, Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger

Posted by Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger on March 27, 2017

Food Access VISTA

The Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger (Hunger Coalition), in partnership with Hunger Free America, is seeking a dynamic AmeriCorps VISTA member to join our team in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The VISTA member will be part of the selective National Anti-Hunger and Opportunity Corps (AHOC).*

Founded in 1996, the Hunger Coalition strives to build a community where all people have the food they need to lead healthy lives. The Coalition connects people with food assistance programs and nutrition education; provides resources to a network of food pantries; and educates the public and policymakers about responsible solutions that prevent people from going hungry.

Position Description:
The Food Access VISTA will increase public awareness of and access to federally-funded and local food programs to improve Philadelphia’s 22% food insecurity rate. S/he will cultivate relationships with partners to identify and reduce barriers to participation in SNAP (food stamps), summer meals for kids, senior programs, pantries and other food resources. S/he will plan and provide presentations and materials to partners and clients, including hunger simulations, health fairs, community events, and our 4th annual Good Food for All conference. S/he will improve access to fresh, local food through promotion of farmers’ markets, and SNAP incentives.
Desired Qualifications:
● Experience with community outreach, teaching, training, or health theater
● Knowledge of or interest in improving food security
● Familiarity with food resources such as SNAP, farmers’ markets, pantries, summer meals for children (awareness of the Philadelphia’s foodscape is a plus)
● Access to a reliable car is helpful, otherwise comfort with public transportation
● Bi-lingual is a plus (e.g. Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Khmer, Creole, Arabic)

Requirements:
● College degree or equivalent experience
● 18 years of age or older
● Excellent verbal and written communication for diverse audiences
● Ability to multi-task, and function independently or as part of a team
● Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Time Commitment:
This is a one year, full-time position beginning with orientation June 19th, 2017. VISTAs are expected to be available for the needs of the community and project at all times, including days, nights and weekends. Because AmeriCorps VISTA service requires a full immersion in the project and community, there are restrictions on outside full-time employment, along with some restrictions on political and religious activities. For more information, please review the AmeriCorps VISTA Terms, Conditions and Benefits information available here – http://bit.ly/1dAs2FM.

Program Benefits:
● $472.22 Living allowance, paid biweekly
● Segal Education Award ($5,815) or End-of-Service stipend ($1,500)
● Health benefits*
● Housing or alternative assistance of up to $400**
● Training support up to $500
● Potential to forbear or defer student loans while in service
● Relocation assistance (if applicable)
● Childcare assistance (if applicable)
● Optional life insurance
● One year non-competitive status for federal government positions
● A network of over 180,000 AmeriCorps VISTA members and alums
● Local transportation assistance through the Hunger Coalition (SEPTA pass or mileage reimbursement beyond commuting expenses)

* For more information on health coverage provided through CNCS, visit: http://www.vistacampus.gov/in-service/benefits-service#health_coverage

** VISTAs are responsible for finding their own housing. Hunger Free America offers its members up to $400 per service year in housing assistance. However, members will need to fund their own housing outside of Hunger Free America’s assistance.

How to Apply:
By Friday, March 31st, submit a resume (no more than 2 pages) and letter of interest (no more than 1 page) with Food Access VISTA in the subject line, to: Noelle Dames, ndames@hungercoalition.org
Candidates are also required to complete AmeriCorps’ program application online.

About the Anti-Hunger and Opportunity Corps:
The national Anti-Hunger and Opportunity Corps Program (AHOC), an initiative of Hunger Free America since 2010, is one of the largest anti-hunger AmeriCorps VISTA projects in the country. Its main focus is to fight hunger and improve nutrition, primarily by breaking down barriers to accessing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) as well as by expanding economic opportunity and ensuring healthy futures for all Americans, mostly through the SNAP Employment and Training program. Members also serve to increase the capacity of anti-hunger community organizations to help meet the needs of low-income community members, particularly to seniors, working families and non-English speaking populations.