Village Harvest Gleaning Program AmeriCorps VISTA

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The Village Harvest VISTA will work with the Kaua`i Master Gardener Program and Malama Kaua`i to expand their pilot gleaning project into a full-time program that identifies, harvests and delivers unwanted fresh produce to those in need through schools, after school programs, and food banks. The objectives of this program are to build a community-based gleaning network to educate the community about, and engage them in solving, our island’s critical issues related to hunger, agricultural waste, and access to fresh produce. The position will require on-site work weekly in both Kilauea and Wailua, but will spend most of their time in the field; the workweek is typically Tuesday through Saturday. Position begins at the end of October.

YOU WILL:

Develop and implement systems for community outreach, education, and engagement

1. Outreach to, and education of, the community for the recruitment of volunteers and produce donors through the development and use of:
   1. public speaking engagements
   2. school and community group partnerships
   3. press relations and outreach
   4. farmer outreach and farmers market promotions
   5. social media campaigns
   6. volunteer recruitment websites
   7. door-to-door flyering of homes with unutilized food trees
   8. and other creative methods yet to be determined
2. Develop and deliver a program orientation and food safety briefing to all participating volunteers

Lead program launch and streamline its operational expansion

1. Assist in leading and managing volunteers in harvesting and delivering fresh produce to those in need across the island, including ensuring that appropriate paperwork is completed such as waivers and volunteer sign-in sheets
2. Support the creation of regional produce washing hubs to properly process and weigh produce to prepare it for distribution
3. Coordinate large produce pick-ups as needed with Hawai`i Food Bank
4. Ensure that proper food safety guidelines are maintained throughout gleaning
5. Provide tax receipts for donors
6. Track and manage all data accurately and in a timely manner for reporting purposes, including volunteer hours and pounds of produce donated
7. Assist with ongoing fundraising efforts to see program become financially sustainable

YOU SHOULD HAVE:

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to handle complex logistics
• Strong computer and administrative skills, including Gmail, Google Drive/Docs, Calendaring, etc.
• A warm and outgoing, aloha-first attitude
• Ability to comfortably deliver engaging public presentations in front of groups
• Basic knowledge of produce handling/harvesting is beneficial
• Must be comfortable with extensive across-island driving and lifting boxes up to 50lbs

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

AmeriCorps VISTA is a year-long, full-time service opportunity through the Corporation for National & Community Service. You must be at least 18 to serve. Program Benefits Include:

- Living Allowance of $15,312 ($587.30 every two weeks)
- Choice of $5,730 Education Award or $1,500 End of Service Stipend
- Healthcare Coverage
- Relocation Allowance, Student Loan Forbearance, and Childcare Assistance, if eligible
- Extensive training, networking, and professional development opportunities

AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a small subsistence allowance and should evaluate their financial situation to ensure that they are able to complete the full one-year term. The CNCS provides the living allowance to cover the cost of food, housing, and other basic necessities during service. The allowance is low because a VISTA member is expected to live at approximately the same economic level as the people they serve. You may attend school or have another part-time job during service, but will be expected to work on a full-time basis in this program.

TO APPLY: Send a resume and cover letter to megan@malamakauai.org with "Village Harvest VISTA" in the subject line.