Skip Navigation and Go Directly to Page ContentAmeriCorps Website Home Page
 
 
 

FONT SIZE:  Default  |  Large
spacer
spacer
spacer
 

Local Food Access VISTA
 
 
 
Coastal Foodshed’s core work is to increase the amount of local food sold by farmers and purchased by residents throughout the Southcoast, with a strong focus on equitable access for marginalized community members and underserved community members who are experiencing food insecurity. A large part of Coastal Foodshed’s work is reaching out to residents who use SNAP benefits to purchase a significant amount of their food each month. SNAP users can use their SNAP benefits to purchase food from Coastal Foodshed at ALL of our points of sale. In Massachusetts, SNAP users are also automatically eligible for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) which provides SNAP users with an incentive to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables. For every SNAP dollar used to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables from approved vendors like Coastal Foodshed, SNAP users earn back a dollar (between $40-$80 additional per month based on household size) that can be used at any retailer that accepts SNAP benefits. The HIP program has played an extremely important role in supporting food security for Massachusetts’ residents - while also supporting local farmers. Coastal Foodshed is the ONLY HIP-eligible vendor in New Bedford that is open year-round, however, only 3% of SNAP users in New Bedford are buying food from Coastal Foodshed, and only 2% of SNAP users in Bristol County are using HIP! Access to sufficient healthy foods is foundational to the physical, emotional, and economic health and wellness of families.
 
Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.
Please note:
This listing is currently not accepting applications.



Member Duties : As the Local Food Access VISTA, you will play a critical role in educating residents about the SNAP and HIP programs, while spreading the word about Coastal Foodshed, and where and how SNAP users can purchase local foods to ultimately increase the number of SNAP customers purchasing food from Coastal Foodshed and accessing additional HIP benefits. The ideal Local Food Access VISTA will speak English and Spanish, understand the diverse communities they are working in, and be friendly, self-motivated, and a strong communicator. The Local Food Access VISTA’s primary responsibilities will include: -Developing educational materials about SNAP and HIP -Identifying and meeting with community partners who also serve SNAP clients to educate them about Coastal Foodshed -Gathering feedback from customers and partnering organizations to improve messaging and outreach -Collecting and analyzing data and making recommendations to staff to improve SNAP outreach and customer interactions.
 
Program Benefits : Training ,  Health Coverage* ,  Living Allowance ,  Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend ,  Relocation Allowance ,  Childcare assistance if eligible ,  Weekly box of local produce . 
 
 
*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/vista/benefits.
 
Terms :
Permits working at another job during off hours ,  Permits attendance at school during off hours ,  Car recommended . 
 
Service Areas :
Health ,  Community and Economic Development ,  Hunger . 
 
Skills :
Public Speaking ,  Team Work ,  Communications ,  Computers/Technology ,  Writing/Editing . 
 
 
Refine Search
 
 
SUMMARY
Program Type:
AmeriCorps VISTA
Program
Local Food Access VISTA
Program Start/End Date
05/08/2023  -   05/07/2024
Work Schedule Full Time
Education level
High school diploma/GED
Age Requirement
Minimum:  18    Maximum:  None
Program Locations MASSACHUSETTS  
Languages
English
Spanish
Accepting Applications
From  12/19/2022  To  05/26/2023 
Contact Stephanie Perks
38 Blackmer St
New Bedford   MA   02744
508-259-2647
stephanie@coastalfoodshed.org
coastalfoodshed.org
Listing ID 116074

spacer
       

Contact Us | Newsletters | Site Map | Office of Inspector General | FirstGov | Privacy | Accessibility
FOIA | No Fear Act | Federal Register Notices    Last updated: Monday, March 18, 2024, 03:19 PM   
Release version: 7.19

  HOME