AmeriCorps VISTA Opportunity - Support Healthy Food Access in Downeast Maine

Healthy Acadia is excited to partner with Hunger Free America to recruit a dedicated AmeriCorps VISTA member for a yearlong service opportunity aimed at increasing access to healthy food in Downeast Maine. If you're passionate about food justice and community-building, this is your chance to make a real difference by supporting local farms, strengthening food security networks, and helping families connect with nutritious, local food.

This full-time, 12-month service opportunity will be based in either Ellsworth or Machias, Maine—whichever location works best for the selected applicant. The VISTA member will play a vital role in building a more resilient and equitable local food system.

What You’ll Do:

As a VISTA member, you’ll help build a more food-secure Downeast Maine through hands-on service and community collaboration. Your activities will include:

  • Building relationships between local farms and food assistance programs

  • Coordinating gleaning efforts at farms and gardens to recover surplus produce

  • Distributing fresh food to local food pantries and community sites

  • Expanding community gardens and Give-and-Take shed systems

  • Supporting nutrition benefit programs like SNAP at farmers markets and farm stands

  • Organizing county-wide food drives and fundraisers

  • Collaborating with regional Food Security Networks

  • Recruiting and training volunteers to strengthen community impact

  • Researching and writing grants to sustain food security programs

You’ll also help distribute fresh, local produce by gleaning from area farms and gardens and participating in community garden development.

VISTA Benefits Include:

  • Bi-weekly living allowance

  • Health benefits and leave time

  • Student loan forbearance or deferment (if eligible)

  • Segal Education Award upon completion of service

  • Relocation assistance (if applicable)

  • Child care assistance

  • Access to local farm-fresh produce

  • Professional development and training opportunities

Application Deadline: May 30, 2025
Start Date: August 12, 2025
Location: Machias or Ellsworth, Maine
Duration: 12 months

This is more than a service year—it’s a chance to build skills, grow professionally, and contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of your community.

Apply today!
Send your resume and cover letter to: eleanor.jones@healthyacadia.org

Tracey Carlson