FoodCorps 2007 | Frequently Asked Questions
What is FoodCorps?
Through hands-on experience, FoodCorps develops new leaders and provides needed resources for communities working toward Montana-based food systems.
The first FoodCorps team of four full-time Montana Campus Compact VISTA volunteers began in the summer of 2006. Three VISTA’s launched new Farm to College Programs at selected colleges, and one VISTA developed the pilot Farm to School program at Missoula County Public Schools. All VISTA’s have had unique opportunity to work with farmers, ranchers, community organizers, students, food service directors, and nutritionists to increase the amount of local and regionally grown food served in cafeterias and thereby boost Montana’s health and economy. The current term of service ends July 21, 2007.
The FoodCorps’ team maximizes their impact by learning and sharing with others who have the same goals, but unique circumstances.
What will FoodCorps 2007 volunteers do?
Specific FoodCorps’ job descriptions and work plans will be designed by the site’s food service directors, community partners, and Grow Montana staff. If the site had a VISTA the previous year, than the VISTA will also actively design the next year’s workplan. In general, half of the VISTA’s time will focus on increasing the amount of Montana-grown food served in the institution. Example activities include researching potential vendors, developing databases of Montana-grown foods, organizing special events, or coordinating deliveries. The other half time may be used for community and campus outreach, such as teaching classes, developing educational materials, or working with community partners. In addition, a job priority will be to fundraise and build programmatic infrastructure that ensures sustainability of the program beyond the VISTA’s term of service.
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; Stranie Ventures, LLC; 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.