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Sprout (VSA) - Initiative Foundation
 
 
 
Are you interested in the intersection of food insecurity and sustainable agriculture? Serve with Sprout, the region's leading food hub, indoor marketplace, and shared-use licensed kitchen. Located in Little Falls, MN, Sprout manages the aggregation, distribution, and marketing of source-identified food products from over 50 local and regional producers. Sprout partners with three hospital/clinical systems to aggregate seasonal, local produce and products for Prescriptive Community Supported Agriculture (RxCSA) shares for patients experiencing food insecurity. This VISTA Summer Associate project seeks to: 1) Reduce rural food insecurity by expanding and supplementing the prescriptive CSA program. 2) Increase efficiency for weighing, packing, and recording CSA shares 3) Research and communicate dietary needs and preferences, especially as they relate to CSA participant cultures. 4) Nurture the relationship with SNAP-Ed educators to identify areas of improvement as well as new initiatives like Cooking Matters at the Market, to better integrate program participants into the other areas of Sprout’s work. According to the Central MN Food Access Profile, 12.4% of the population in Morrison County experiences food insecurity as compared to the state average of 11.5%. Feeding America’s “Map the Meal Gap” estimates a budget shortfall of $1.8 million annually for individuals in Morrison County needing to purchase just enough food to meet their needs. Studies have shown a shift in food preparation habits as CSA membership led to increased consumption of meals at home and storage of food items. Research also showed that the prevalence of obesity is influenced by the number of meals consumed away from home. Sprout's partners have shared that RxCSA participants have reported increases in fruit and vegetable consumption and indicated other behavioral changes as a result of the program.
 
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Please note:
This listing is currently not accepting applications.



Member Duties : The VISTA Summer Associate project will build upon current relationships with local growers, food producers, prescriptive CSA coordinators and participants, and SNAP-Ed educators to evaluate and enhance elements of Sprout's partnership with the prescriptive CSA program. The VISTA member will communicate findings and work with Sprout staff to encourage growers and food processors to produce products as reflected by the demand and cultural relevance. The VISTA will develop a mechanism for efficient and effective data recording for Sprout staff to continue in the future, taking into account seasonability of items grown in central Minnesota. Sprout staff will also use this data to direct CSA share choices for items already being grown. The VISTA will meet with SNAP-ed educators to assess opportunities for Sprout’s further engagement in nutritional cooking classes, Market tours, Market Bucks, etc.
 
Program Benefits : Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend ,  Living Allowance ,  Training . 
 
Terms :
Permits working at another job during off hours ,  Car recommended ,  Permits attendance at school during off hours . 
 
Service Areas :
Health ,  Environment ,  Community and Economic Development ,  Hunger ,  Community Outreach . 
 
Skills :
Communications ,  Architectural Planning ,  Public Health ,  Education ,  Leadership ,  General Skills ,  Business/Entrepreneur ,  Community Organization . 
 
 
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SUMMARY
Program Type:
AmeriCorps VISTA
Program
Sprout (VSA) - Initiative Foundation
Program Start/End Date
06/05/2017  -   07/30/2017
Work Schedule Summer
Education level
High school diploma/GED
Age Requirement
Minimum:  18    Maximum:  None
Program Locations MINNESOTA  
Languages
English
Accepting Applications
From  03/05/2017  To  05/12/2017 
Contact Jessie Borkenhagen
609 13th Ave NE
Little Falls   MN   56345
2188516691
sproutmn1@gmail.com
www.sproutmn.com
Listing ID 71922

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