Join Montana's FoodCorps
Frequently Asked Questions
What do FoodCorps members do?
FoodCorps members create and develop farm to cafeteria programs in local schools and colleges. Through farm to cafeteria programs, schools and colleges buy locally-grown food in order to strengthen Montana’s agricultural economy, while also serving healthy, delicious food to students. Daily activities may include any (or all!) of the following: organizing staff tours to area farms, presenting program updates to school boards, writing and disseminating press releases, creating or updating websites or social networking sites, or planning Montana-grown meal events. Each FoodCorps volunteer works closely with an on-site supervisor and with fellow FoodCorps members to create meaningful and achievable goals for the year, and to brainstorm creative ways to achieve them. Through interactive trainings, FoodCorps volunteers learn the ins and outs of Montana's food system, meet a diverse array of food system leaders and professionals, and sharpen their community organizing skills.
How do I apply?
All positions begin in July, 2008. FoodCorps volunteers can apply to work in Missoula, Bozeman, or in Pablo (on the Flathead Indian Reservation). To apply, find the AmeriCorps application at https://my.americorps.gov, click on "apply to serve," then select the MTCC VISTA project (06VSPMT003-0) as the project to which you'll apply. Be sure to include any experience in food systems or sustainable agriculture in your application. You will then need to complete an interview with the VISTA coordinator, and later, with the on-site supervisor. When you complete the online application, please send a separate email to crissiemc@yahoo.com, with a short note ( no more than two paragraphs) indicating why you are applying for FoodCorps and any site location preference. This email is mainly to ensure that we know which applications to expect from VISTA. We hope to fill all positions by June 1, so apply now!
What will I be paid?
All FoodCorps volunteers receive a living allowance of approximately $800/month, health care coverage, and may choose an AmeriCorps Education Award of approximately $4750 or a cash stipend upon completion of their term of service. Members relocating to serve may also receive reimbursement of relocation expenses for travel and shipping costs. AmeriCorps Education Awards can be applied toward tuition or to pay down existing college loans.
Can I be a student while in FoodCorps?
FoodCorps members may receive graduate credit for their service through the ALIVE program offered through The University of Montana’s Office for Civic Engagement. Because the service term with AmeriCorps is full-time, VISTAs cannot be current students (except through ALIVE) or hold other employment.
What are you looking for in successful FoodCorps applicants?
All FoodCorps members must have an undergraduate degree. Because of the diversity of skills required, we welcome applicants from all fields. Past FoodCorps members have held degrees in Environmental Science, Nutrition, Sociology, Biology, and Physical Education. Primarily, we look for candidates with demonstrated capacity to lead, ability to be creative and flexible, and a commitment to local food systems and community organizing. Because we hope to develop and nurture new leaders, we welcome applicants with a strong desire to learn and grow, regardless of past work experience.
Who can I talk to for more information?
FoodCorps coordinator Crissie McMullan will be happy to share more.
Contact her at crissiemc@yahoo.com, or at 406-531-5162.
| You may also contact any of the current FoodCorps volunteers: | |
|---|---|
|
Sarah Kester University of Montana Missoula, MT (406) 243-4058 sarah.kester@mso.umt.edu |
Kevin Moore University of Montana Western Dillon, MT (406) 683-7144 k_moore1@umwestern.edu |
| Erin Foster West Missoula County Public Schools Missoula, MT (406) 549-0453 missoulaf2s@montana.com |
Patrick Murphy Salish Kootenai College Pablo, MT (406) 275-4941 murphypaddy@hotmail.com |
Read more about the success of last year's FoodCorps
Who is sponsoring FoodCorps? FoodCorps is a unique partnership between Grow Montana, Montana Campus Compact VISTA Program, select Montana colleges and universities, and community organizations with a mission to develop Montana-based food systems. Grow Montana is a broad-based coalition whose common purpose is to enable Montana's food producers to meet more of our state's food needs.
Grow Montana's founders include:
Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO);
Artemis Common Ground;
Lake County Community Development Corporation;
National Center for Appropriate Technology;
The University of Montana Environmental Studies Program;
UM Dining Services and the UM Farm to College Program.
The Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) is an organization committed to fostering a renewed vision for higher education, one that supports civic engagement through community service and volunteerism. MTCC is a coalition of Montana college and university presidents, chancellors, and deans committed to the civic purposes of higher education.