Food Equity Project Assistant

Ithaca NY

Description

Food Equity Project Assistant Ithaca Farmers Market Nature of this position: This is a temporary part-time grant funded position with limited hours (approximately 8 hours per week) for up to 28 weeks. At least half of the work hours (4-5 hrs per week) will take place at the Saturday Winter Farmers Market located at Triphammer Market Place until the end of March, after which the market will operate from Steamboat Landing on Third Street. The position will be compensated at the rate of $17 per hour and is NOT benefits eligible. Additional work hours assisting the Market Manager with other duties may be available depending on performance. The position is supervised by the Ithaca Farmers Market Market Manger and the individual will be expected to work with farmers and food vendors at market, and will be engaged in community outreach to agencies and organizations within the City of Ithaca that serve low income residents. Project Description and Goals: This project is intended to minimize food insecurity for low to moderate income households in the City of Ithaca resulting from the disruption caused by the pandemic. Low to moderate income households as define by HUD, and households that receive SNAP benefits are eligible for a 60% discount when shopping from the WINTER IFM online marketplace. The discount is given when the customer pays for the products ordered. Only produce, meats, baked goods, honey, syrup, cider and other such foods will be discounted (not for prepared foods or crafts). Customers will place online orders, that will be picked up at the Saturday IFM market between noon and 2 PM. Arrangements may be made for delivery of some orders depending on need. Once the winter market concludes at the end of March, the project will be relocated to the Steamboat Landing site and adjusted as needed depending on the balance of funds in the grant. The Project Assistant will be responsible for: -Working with the Market Manager to process online orders and assist with packing and pick-up or delivery if requested. -Assist with data gathering as required by the grant. -Assist the Manager with payments to farmers for orders that were discounted. -Assist the Manager with billing the City for grant reimbursement. -Assist the Manager with quarterly reports as required by the grant. -Assist with promotion and outreach of the program – communicating with organizations and agencies that serve low to moderate income residents and those who receive SNAP benefits in the City. This may include periodic flyer distribution, press releases, or other such media as will reach this audience. Qualifications desired: -attention to detail for accurate recordkeeping -good communication skills with customers and vendors at market -some knowledge of how SNAP benefits work -interest in helping to address food insecurity challenges in our community -interest in making fresh locally produced foods affordable to Ithaca residents -ability to lift 30 lbs of groceries to assist customers -access to reliable transportation within the City of Ithaca Apply: -submit a short resume (1-2 pages) describing relevant experience along with a cover letter that states what motivates you to help improve food security and access to local foods for low income residents -submit applications by February 20, 2022 -interviews the week of February 21, 2022 -start date no later than March 5, 2022