AmeriCorps Nutritional Security Action Specialist

INTERESTED APPLICANTS APPLY HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/xUUWRrRLGq

The Rural Iowa AmeriCorps Program (https://www.iowaeda.com/rural-iowa-americorps-program/), in partnership with Iowa Economic Development Authority's Center for Rural Revitalization, recognizes the needs of rural Iowa are community specific. Each community finds unique solutions to enhance the quality of life for their residents and visitors. AmeriCorps members will support quality programming and spaces that encourage people to live, work, play, and engage in vibrant rural places.

This position is a 24-week commitment, starting no later than June 2, 2025. The individual will complete a minimum of 450 hours of service, serving an average of 20 hours per week. Member will serve from 1:00-7:30PM on Mondays and Thursdays. Additional hours will reflect the monthly program schedules of Food Pantry partners. Schedule adjustments may be made to include other days and times to accommodate the host site’s needs and events.

The member will receive a living allowance totaling $6,075. In addition, successful completion earns an education award of $1,956 to apply to qualified student loans or education-related expenses. The member will have free and confidential access to a Member Assistance Program and will receive professional development opportunities throughout the service term.

Member will expand the capacity of Nevada Food at First by providing direct support to increase the accessibility of nutritious food to food insecure households and enhancing the collaboration between partners.

Coordinate Contacts with Nevada Food at First and Food Pantry leaders.

• Schedule in-person meetings with supervisor and leaders from Nevada Food at First, individuals managing the “Pop Up Pantry”, and each eastern Story County Food Pantry within the first 30 days of service.
• Schedule dates that correspond with Food Pantry program distribution times to call, text, or e-mail each pantry leader and arrange for rescued food to be picked up to stock their respective pantry.
• Arrange dates to visit sites that coincide with open hours for meal distribution and food pantries once every other month. Observe, ask, listen, and help, with permission.
• Log all contacts, including date, time, topic(s) of discussion, and other information. Maintain notes regarding issues or individuals that may inform immediate or future action. Share information with supervisor and follow up as needed or directed.

Data Pooling

• Develop a reporting form to compile the number of unduplicated households receiving meals and/or being served by Food Pantry partners that include children (18 and under), adults (ages 19-59), senior adults (age 60 ) and combinations thereof (i.e. children and senior adults or adults with children).
• Confidentially collect and pool data provided by Nevada Food at First and Food Pantry leaders to determine percentage of households served that include children, just adults, just senior adults, and extended family (multi-generational) households.
• Prepare and share monthly data reports with supervisor. Once approved by the supervisor, share with Nevada Food at First and Food Pantry leaders.
• Meet with leaders to identify how the data reflects perceived needs and explore next steps.

Manage donated food pick up, handling, inventory, and partner distribution.

• Arrange and schedule an in-person meeting with supervisor, the Community Engagement Specialist, and all food rescue pick up volunteers within the first 30 days.
• Collaborate with food rescue volunteers and Food Pantry partners to develop and implement efficient operational food inventory, storage, and distribution approaches.
• Communicate food inventory (by category and quantity) available for meal planning and food pantry distribution with supervisor.

Volunteer Training and Collaboration

• Schedule introductory meeting with the Nevada Food at First Community Engagement Specialist and supervisor within the first 30 days of service.
• Arrange for the required “Civil Rights Training” document (provided by Food Bank of Iowa) to be distributed (via e-mail) to all food rescue volunteers with intention (via on-site signature log) to promote equal treatment and elimination of barriers for those served.
• Implement the required “Food Rescue Guidelines for Agencies” (provided by Food Bank of Iowa) with food rescue volunteers to assess the quality of perishable and shelf-stable food being rescued. Guide will be supplied electronically (via e-mail) to food rescue volunteers and shared with donation and Food Pantry partners. Compliance with guidelines will be monitored as food is handled and inventoried.
• Deliver the required “Food Safety Training” document and on-line test link (provided by Food Bank of Iowa) to all food rescue volunteers (via e-mail) and Food Pantry partners to ensure proper handling and storage of rescued food. Confirm successful completion of the test by volunteers. Compliance with training will be assessed as food is handled and inventoried.
• Collaborate with Community Engagement Specialist to schedule ride-along opportunities and required Food Bank of Iowa training to new food pick up, handling, inventory, and partner pick up volunteers within two (2) weeks of volunteer commitment.
• Communicate identified volunteer gaps and specific skills needed to supervisor and Community Engagement Specialist to sustain food rescue, handling and storage, inventory, and distribution to Food Pantry programs.
• Meet with Pop Up and Food Pantry partners to gather input regarding specific leadership characteristics and volunteer skills needed to manage, extend, and sustain donated food pick up, handling, inventory, and distribution.
• Refer any interested volunteers to the Community Engagement Specialist.

Research and Design Ways to Improve Food Access

• Identify best practices and emerging approaches that address barriers and improve food access in rural communities.
• Consult with Nevada Food at First leaders and Food Pantry partners to identify existing barriers and gaps associated with food access.
• Identify, design, and pilot at least one researched practice, emerging approach, or novel food access idea that complements current Nevada Food at First free meal and/or Food Pantry distributions.

Position Requirements

• Strong character and capacity for active listening, empathy, and problem-solving.
• Effective written and verbal skills. Working or conversational Spanish proficiency desired.
• Capacity to work as a self-starter, both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience organizing multiple priorities.
• Strength to lift 40-50 pounds regularly.
• Able to spend long periods standing.
• Proficient use of computers and familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older by start date
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be in process of completion
• Must be either a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
• Must pass mandatory pre-service background checks

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $1,012.50 per month

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $1,013