23 Jun Internship: Sustainable Food Center

Submitted by Jess Guffey

Time:
08/24/2009 (All day) – 12/17/2009 (All day)
Location:
Sustainable Food Center
1106 Clayton Lane
Austin, TX, 78723
Sustainable Food Center Placement Opportunity: Practicum/Internship (unpaid)
Fall 2009 and/or Spring 2010

Position:
Farm to School and Food-Systems Education – Sprouting Healthy Kids project Food Systems Educator

Project Description:
Sprouting Healthy Kids (SHK) is Sustainable Food Center’s farm to school and food systems education project which includes local foods in the school cafeteria, delivery of in-class food-systems lessons, and a hands-on after-school gardening and cooking program. Through SHK, the improved access to healthy, local food and the accompanying educational efforts will increase the likelihood that school children will consume more fresh vegetables and fruit. The project is being implemented in Austin-area schools which have a high percentage of students at increased risk for diet-related diseases according to ethnicity and income indicators, and helps to overcome barriers which prevent schools from purchasing, preparing, and serving local fresh food. SFC will place up to six interns/practicum students for the 2009-10 school year (single semester opportunities are available).

Dates:
Fall Semester: August 24, 2009 through December 17, 2009
Spring Semester: January 4, 2010 through June 2, 2010
*interested students may apply for Fall or Spring or Both. Placement preference is given to students wishing to enroll in both semesters.
**Start and end dates are somewhat flexible, depending on your academic calendar.

Potential Learning Objectives:
1. Develop teaching skills with youth populations who are at-risk for diet-related disease including obesity
2. Gain understanding of farm-to-school and food-systems education interventions, how such programs can improve dietary habits among students, and what measurements can indicate positive change
3. Receive practical experience with educational resource development and delivery and with school-community partnerships
4. Learn basic food gardening techniques and learn to utilize school food gardens as instructional tools.

Primary Responsibilities: Approximately 12 hours per week

1. Assess nutrition and food-systems education resources, including existing activity guides and in-class lessons, in comparison with farm-to-school and food-systems education project goals and objectives.

2. Develop additional educational resources to meet project goals and objectives.

3. Deliver in-class middle school lessons focused on local, sustainable food systems in context of various core-curriculum classes and in alignment with class schedules and standards

4. Plan for and deliver weekly after-school programs, including hands-on gardening and healthy-cooking activities.

5. Serve as liaison between SFC and school, including attending Campus Advisory Committee, PTA, and other relevant meetings and events.

Qualifications:
1. Interest in sustainable food systems and health/nutrition
2. Some experience with gardening and cooking, and working with youth (middle school)
3. Must be responsible, dependable and be able to commit to at least one semester (or, preferably an entire school year)
4. Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred

Application Instructions:
Send cover letter via email to andrew@sustainablefoodcenter.org along with current CV or resume. See www.sustainablefoodcenter.org for organizational information.

For more information, please contact:

Andrew Smiley
Farm Direct Projects Director
Sustainable Food Center

512-236-0074 ext. 102
andrew@sustainablefoodcenter.org
www.sustainablefoodcenter.org

Sustainable Food Center cultivates a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food.

Website:
www.sustainablefoodcenter.org
Contact Information
Contact Name:
Andrew Smiley
Contact Email:
andrew@sustainablefoodcenter.org
Contact Phone:
236-0074 x102