Description
Food insecurity - limited access to healthy, affordable food - is common in low-income urban neighborhoods where corner stores are the predominant food retail outlet. Few of the >150,000 U.S. corner stores provide an array of healthy, affordable food options. Although grant-funded store intervention programs have successfully increased healthy offerings and customer satisfaction, they have not been sustainable or scalable. What is urgently needed is a program that helps make produce sales profitable for corner stores. BrightSide Produce is that program. It is the nation’s first economically sustainable model for distributing high-quality, low-cost produce to corner stores in underserved communities. Our mission is to create and operate self-funding programs that increase access to healthy foods in underserved communities. Our goals are to make healthier choices easier for urban residents, and to engage and empower at-risk youth in this effort. We seek to achieve our goals by leveraging mutually beneficial relationships between affluent and lower-income communities. We do this by 1) teaming university students with neighborhood youth partners to run our operation, and 2) connecting our delivery service to a “Buyers’ Club” made up of more affluent consumers. ---This project is part of the College Health Corps (CHC) VISTA Program, operated by Minnesota Campus Compact. The CHC increases low-income individuals’ access to health care, health education, food, and basic needs through capacity building projects, including partnerships between higher education and community based organizations. Professional development focuses on health equity, the social determinants of health, and effective partnership development. --- ***Please also send cover letter and resume to supervisor. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis. Preference given to candidates who apply early.***
Food insecurity - limited access to healthy, affordable food - is common in low-income urban neighborhoods where corner stores are the predominant food retail outlet. Few of the >150,000 U.S. corner stores provide an array of healthy, affordable food options. Although grant-funded store intervention programs have successfully increased healthy offerings and customer satisfaction, they have not been sustainable or scalable. What is urgently needed is a program that helps make produce sales profitable for corner stores. BrightSide Produce is that program. It is the nation’s first economically sustainable model for distributing high-quality, low-cost produce to corner stores in underserved communities. Our mission is to create and operate self-funding programs that increase access to healthy foods in underserved communities. Our goals are to make healthier choices easier for urban residents, and to engage and empower at-risk youth in this effort. We seek to achieve our goals by leveraging mutually beneficial relationships between affluent and lower-income communities. We do this by 1) teaming university students with neighborhood youth partners to run our operation, and 2) connecting our delivery service to a “Buyers’ Club” made up of more affluent consumers. ---This project is part of the College Health Corps (CHC) VISTA Program, operated by Minnesota Campus Compact. The CHC increases low-income individuals’ access to health care, health education, food, and basic needs through capacity building projects, including partnerships between higher education and community based organizations. Professional development focuses on health equity, the social determinants of health, and effective partnership development. --- ***Please also send cover letter and resume to supervisor. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis. Preference given to candidates who apply early.***
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Living Allowance
$973
-
$983 monthly
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Student loan forbearance, Training
Additional Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Training
End of Service Benefit: $5,920 Education Award (can be used within seven years for future tuition or to repay student loans) OR $1,800 cash stipend. Only awarded upon successful completion of service. Relocation Allowance: if moving more than 50 miles to a new location, $550 settling in allowance can be requested. Healthcare Support: $7,350 healthcare allowance to supplement the VISTA's qualifying comprehensive health insurance plan. Student Loan Forbearance: is available to those you elect the Education Award and can be applied to any qualifying federal student loans.
Education Requirements
College Graduate
Desired Languages
English
Other Conditions
Permits attendance at school during off hours
Subject to criminal background check