FoodCorps: Who We Are
FoodCorps partners with schools and communities to nourish kids’ health, education, and sense of belonging so that every child, in every school, experiences the joy and power of food. Our AmeriCorps members serve alongside educators and school nutrition professionals to provide kids with nourishing meals, food education, and culturally affirming experiences with food that celebrate and nurture the whole child. Building on this direct service, FoodCorps advocates for policy change, grows networks, and develops leaders in service of every kid’s health and wellbeing. Our goal is that by 2030, every child will have access to food education and nourishing food in school!
What We’re Looking For
- Commitment to building a healthier future for school children
- Demonstrated leadership aptitude and effective communication skills
- Motivation and commitment to serve full-time directly in a community
- Self determination in the face of challenges and solutions-oriented creativity
- Respect for diversity of opinion, experience, and background
- Display a growth mindset by willing to grow through coaching and implementation of feedback
- Knowledge of the culture, history, and/or language of the communities we serve
- Desire to gain hands-on experience in food education
To be considered for a FoodCorps service member position, you must:
- Be 18 years or older by the start of your service term
- Be a legal, permanent resident of the United States
- Hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent at the start of service
Individual service positions differ by location. There may be additional requirements, such as language proficiencies and access to a vehicle, depending on the site to which you apply.
What You’ll Do
Our AmeriCorps members work alongside educators to provide kids in K-8 schools with food education and culturally affirming experiences with food that celebrate and nurture the whole child. Although they do this in a variety of ways depending on local partner goals, below are the foundational activities that all Food Education members complete:
Essential Functions
- Teach hands-on food education and lead taste tests to nourish student’s sense of excitement about eating fruits and vegetables and trying new foods.
- Grow nourishing food with students, teachers, and families to create dynamic educational gardens where kids can get their hands dirty while learning about food.
- Build a school-wide movement around nourishing food by building strong, collaborative relationships with teachers, families, and school administrators.
- Participate in FoodCorps training around teaching, gardening, family engagement, and anti-racism in service.
- Complete FoodCorps reporting and evaluation to help us measure local and national impact and improve programming.
Non-Essential Functions
- Publicize FoodCorps-related projects and success stories through press engagements, blog writing, social media posts, newsletters, etc.
- Collaborate with community partners to raise money to support local FoodCorps-related projects (when allowable).
What You’ll Gain
- Up to $33,000 living stipend for Service Members, paid bi-weekly, during the FULL 11 months of service
- $7,395 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award, upon successful completion of your term of service
- Health insurance*
- Partial childcare reimbursement, if you qualify
- Student loan forbearance, if you qualify
- Training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities
*Participation in FoodCorps health insurance is required unless proof of existing coverage is provided.
Where You’ll Serve
FoodCorps offers service positions in multiple states, including communities throughout AR, CA, CT, DC Metro Area, GA, IA, KY, MD, ME, MA, MI, MO, MS, NJ, NM, OH, OR and RI. To see our local Service Sites, visit: .
The Details
In order to successfully complete your term of service, you must, at a minimum, serve 1,700 allowable hours. The service duration is August 5, 2024 – July 4, 2025.
FoodCorps service members report to the designated supervisor at their service site. FoodCorps state and national staff provide additional guidance and oversight.
Service members are expected to abide by rules of conduct set forth in their member contract and will be evaluated for performance twice during the term: at the midpoint and end of service. Performance is evaluated based on progress toward achieving goals set forth in your unique service plan as well as general professional conduct in the service environment. Service members who break the rules of conduct may be suspended and/or terminated at any time.
FoodCorps is a proud member of the AmeriCorps network. All FoodCorps service members are full-time AmeriCorps members and are therefore bound by AmeriCorps rules and regulations, including abiding by AmeriCorps prohibited activities and ensuring that volunteers abide by prohibited activities, which can be found in your member contract and your FoodCorps Service Member Handbook. See for more information about AmeriCorps service.
All FoodCorps service members must pass a three-part background check to be eligible for service, including clearing the National Sex Offender Public Registry, state background checks in your state of service and residence at time of application, and an FBI criminal history check (fingerprint-based). This position includes access to vulnerable populations (individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and/or youth). To successfully perform their duties, service members must be able to stand for extended periods of time to teach; supervise groups of children in- and outdoors; perform manual labor in the school garden, including digging, getting up and down, lifting garden equipment; aid children in the garden; coordinate and organize meetings; recruit and manage volunteers; and travel to and from National Orientation and Gatherings as required.
Your position is unique to AmeriCorps and does not displace organization staff or volunteers.
FoodCorps is an equal opportunity organization and we respect diversity. FoodCorps does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
FoodCorps provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees as required by law. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation at any point in the employment process.
All service positions at FoodCorps are at-will. Service positions, though designed to last for one year, are not guaranteed for a set period of time. Both service members and FoodCorps have the right to terminate the position at any time. FoodCorps reserves the right to conduct employment, education, and background checks upon which your position may be contingent.
