AmeriCorps Food Security VISTA Opportunities with Healthy Acadia

For Immediate Release 

Date: May 6, 2024

Program Contact: Eleanor Jones at eleanor.jones@HealthyAcadia.org

Media Contact: Tracey Carlson at tracey@healthyacadia.org or 207.667.7171

AmeriCorps Food Security VISTA Opportunities with Healthy Acadia

Healthy Acadia is partnering with Hunger Free America to recruit a year-round AmeriCorps VISTA member to increase access to healthy food for people living in Downeast, Maine. The position will be based in either Ellsworth or Machias, Maine, depending on the applicant’s location. VISTA members will serve with Healthy Acadia for one year, starting in mid-August, and work to address food insecurity by building connections between local farms and food assistance programs, supporting regional food security networks, developing community gardens, increasing access to farmers’ markets and farm stands, organizing food drives and fundraisers, and more.

VISTA members receive a bi-weekly living allowance, health benefits, personal leave, and sick leave, local produce, potential to forbear or defer student loans while in service, relocation assistance, child care assistance, one-year non-competitive status for federal government positions, and a network of over 180,000 AmeriCorps VISTA members and alums. Upon successful completion of the service term, VISTA members will also receive an education award that may be used toward student loans or furthering education, or they can instead choose to receive a cash payout.

This is a great opportunity to learn about the many partnerships that contribute to a vibrant food system in beautiful Downeast Maine. VISTA members gain a wide range of non-profit skill sets and develop professional relationships with local, regional, and statewide partners. Professional development and training opportunities will be readily available. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to commit to full-time hours. 

To schedule an interview, please send a resume and cover letter to Eleanor Jones at eleanor.jones@healthyacadia.org by May 19, 2024.

Healthy Acadia is a 501(C)(3) community health organization building vibrant communities and making it easier for everyone to lead healthy lives. They serve Washington and Hancock counties and provide additional community health support and leadership across Maine. For more information about Healthy Acadia’s community health initiatives, visit healthyacadia.org.

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