Local Food Access Coordinator
AmeriCorps Service Member Position
BACKGROUND
Nourish Knoxville, Inc. is a Knoxville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization cultivating healthy communities by supporting relationships between local farmers, producers, and the public.
ROLE
The purpose of the Local Food Access Coordinator (LFAC) position is to increase access to local food by supporting and expanding the East Tennessee Local Food Guide and by providing additional outlets for producers to reach consumers. This position also directly supports three farmers’ markets in Knoxville, TN. This can be an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong interest in locally-grown food and community development. This position is an AmeriCorps member service position for a one year term beginning in December 2021 with Nourish Knoxville, supported by the AppalCorps AmeriCorps program of the Appalachian RC&D Council.
RESPONSIBILITIES
East Tennessee Local Food Guide Support
- Update and expand the East Tennessee Local Food Guide by connecting with regional farms, restaurants, grocers, and food producers.
- Establish new distribution points with local organizations and businesses to distribute the East Tennessee Local Food Guide.
Food System Development
- Help to plan and implement grower/buyer events across the region in a multi-organizational partnership.
Farmers’ Market Support
- Assist on-site at Nourish Knoxville’s Market Square, New Harvest, and Winter Farmer’s Markets.
- Help to promote Nourish Knoxville’s produce incentive programs at farmers’ markets.
Organization Support
- Assist in program development as needed.
- Assist with other organization activities, such as educational events and fundraisers.
- Participate in and help support activities with strategic partners.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong interest and commitment to locally grown food and agricultural products
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills
- Basic math, reading, and computer skills
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekend averaging out to a 35-hour week
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
- Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions with fluctuating temperatures
- Must submit to and pass a criminal history background check
- Must meet the requirements for the AmeriCorps program and commit to a one-year contract
BENEFITS
- Gain valuable work experience in the non-profit sector
- Opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of local food systems, food system support, and food access initiatives
- Connection to a state-wide network of AmeriCorps members, AmeriCorps alumni, and supporting organizations
- Living allowance of $16,000 for the full service year before taxes
- Segal Education Award equalling the max amount awarded in a Pell Grant for the fiscal year of service. The Segal Education Award for a 12-month term of service equals $6,495.
- Student loan forbearance during service term
HOW TO APPLY
If you would like to join the Nourish Knoxville team in supporting your local food system, please provide a resume and cover letter to info@nourishknoxville.org
Resumes will be accepted until December 1, 2021.
If you have questions about the ARCD AmeriCorps program, please contact Rachel Armor, ARCD AppalCorps Program Director.
The Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council is 501(c) (3) non-profit organization chartered in 1994. Our Board of Directors includes representation from across the region that we serve. Our mission is to conserve natural resources and improve rural economies through community leadership and enhanced educational opportunities. We work to preserve our heritage, promote local growers/producers and protect the lands of past generations so that future generations may be able to enjoy the natural wonders our region has to offer.