Description
Food insecurity, having limited or inconsistent access to quality nutritious foods, reaches every corner of Cook County and is associated with a host of adverse and costly health outcomes for men, women, and children. Specifically, food insecurity is linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, depression, increased hospital visits and increased health care costs. Access to nutritious food, particularly fresh produce, is critical to treatment and recovery from illness in addition to preventing health problems. Many communities served by the Greater Chicago Food Depository and its member agencies report high incidences of diabetes (35 percent), obesity, and high blood pressure (60 percent) -- conditions associated with poor-quality nutrition. AmeriCorps members working in the health and nutrition role will help Food Depository member agencies begin to address these community health challenges.
VISTA members will work with the Food Depository’s member agencies to increase their capacity to provide health and nutrition education to their clients. VISTA members will facilitate the training of member agency representatives and Food Depository volunteers on a program designed to use nutrition information to make healthier choices and cook delicious, affordable meals.
Food insecurity, having limited or inconsistent access to quality nutritious foods, reaches every corner of Cook County and is associated with a host of adverse and costly health outcomes for men, women, and children. Specifically, food insecurity is linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, depression, increased hospital visits and increased health care costs. Access to nutritious food, particularly fresh produce, is critical to treatment and recovery from illness in addition to preventing health problems. Many communities served by the Greater Chicago Food Depository and its member agencies report high incidences of diabetes (35 percent), obesity, and high blood pressure (60 percent) -- conditions associated with poor-quality nutrition. AmeriCorps members working in the health and nutrition role will help Food Depository member agencies begin to address these community health challenges.
VISTA members will work with the Food Depository’s member agencies to increase their capacity to provide health and nutrition education to their clients. VISTA members will facilitate the training of member agency representatives and Food Depository volunteers on a program designed to use nutrition information to make healthier choices and cook delicious, affordable meals.
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Living Allowance
$1250
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$1250 monthly
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Requirements
College Graduate
Desired Languages
English
Other Conditions
Subject to criminal background check