AmeriCorps Food Security VISTA Service Opportunities with Healthy Acadia

For Immediate Release 

Date: September 12, 2023

Program Contact: Rachel Emus, rachel@healthyacadia.org

Media Contact: Tracey Carlson, tracey@healthyacadia.org

AmeriCorps Food Security VISTA Service Opportunities with Healthy Acadia 

Maine. Healthy Acadia is partnering with Hunger Free America to recruit two year-round AmeriCorps VISTA members to increase access to healthy food for people living in Downeast, Maine. One position will be based in Ellsworth and the other in Machias. VISTA members will serve with Healthy Acadia for one year, starting in late October or early November 2023, and help 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 the successful completion of their 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 Rachel Emus at Rachel@HealthyAcadia.org by October 9, 2023.

Healthy Acadia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that engages in a broad range of initiatives to build healthier communities and make it easier for people to lead healthy lives across Washington and Hancock counties, Maine. Learn more at www.healthyacadia.org.

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