Nourish Iowa: Food System Transformation VISTA at EGDM

Nourish Iowa: Food System Transformation VISTA at EGDM At Eat Greater Des Moines, we believe in a food system that meets the immediate needs of each individual while cultivating a healthier community as a whole. Amid declining enrollment among Iowans in conventional anti-hunger programs, the nature of hunger in Iowa and the tools available to fight it have changed dramatically. As a VISTA member with EDGM, you will join a dedicated community of individuals in pursuit of a food system which treats rather than contributes to economic, climate, and social instability. Our mission is to create innovative, forward-thinking solutions to prove what is possible. We strive to empower the community to think differently about food access and promote equity throughout all sectors of the local food system, especially for those who have been traditionally excluded from access to food and resources. We hope you can experience this mission firsthand by receiving additional resources and benefits unique to our organization. As the leader of Iowa's Value Chain Coordinator Community of Practice, EGDM is transforming the food system by increasing the capacity and efficiency of our local and regional food system and fostering values-based local food buyer/seller relationships. As a Nourish Iowa VISTA member, you will serve among a cohort of members whose service is building a more equitable food system in Iowa. You will have frequent opportunities to share knowledge within this community through cohort-wide meetings & site visits. In addition to all standard VISTA benefits, you will engage regularly with leaders in food systems via local, statewide, and national coalitions and associations, in addition to professional development opportunities coordinated by a VISTA Leader in your cohort. Nourish Iowa members are also eligible for free enrollment in Iowa State University's Local Food Leader certification course. Please visit our website for more openings and information about current living allowance rates and benefits. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here. Member Duties : As a Food System Transformation VISTA with EGDM, you will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with leadership to reimagine the organization's mission, vision, and guiding principles. You will contribute to the development of programs which connect food producers from underserved backgrounds to new market opportunities through an expanding network of food hubs. During your term, you will have numerous opportunities to lead grant writing and fund development efforts to support these initiatives and a more resilient food system overall. By the end of your term, you will have developed a robust understanding of, and reputation among, Des Moines metro area community gardens, urban farms, and other food production and nutrition security entities, with written documentation and resources to utilize beyond your service experience. Program Benefits : Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Childcare assistance if eligible , Living Allowance , Training , Education award upon successful completion of service , Stipend , Health Coverage* . Terms : Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours . Service Areas : Health , Community Outreach , Technology , Hunger , Community and Economic Development . Skills : Social Services , Urban Planning , Team Work .

Created: 2024-10-22