AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate 

Kids’ Food Basket | Grand Rapids, MI
June 1 – August 9, 2026 (10-week assignment)

Weekly hours: 40hrs/week

Applications should be submitted by 4/28/2026

Grow Food. Grow Minds. Grow Community.

Spend your summer making a real impact with Kids’ Food Basket. As an AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate, you’ll support hands-on STEM learning, healthy meals, and fresh food access while gaining experience in education, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership.

About the Opportunity

As part of the Michigan Community Service Commission’s Community Resilience Project, you’ll support Kids’ Food Basket’s Nourishing Futures initiative by expanding nutrition education, farm experiences, and access to healthy meals for Grand Rapids Public Schools summer scholars. You’ll work directly with K–8 students, volunteers, and community partners at schools and local farms.

What You’ll Do

· Lead engaging, hands-on STEM lessons focused on nutrition, agriculture, and healthy habits 

· Teach interactive sessions like seed planting, food science, and “eat the rainbow” activities 

· Support up to 90 students per day through dynamic, small-group learning 

· Facilitate farm visits with activities like planting, harvesting, and exploring pollinators 

· Help students connect food, health, and the environment in real-world settings 

· Distribute nutritious Sack Suppers to students in high-need communities 

· Support efforts that will provide approximately 8,000 meals over the summer 

· Recruit and engage volunteers to support farm operations 

· Provide hands-on training and guidance during volunteer shifts 

· Help design and implement volunteer recognition efforts 

What You’ll Gain

· Real-world experience in education, nonprofit work, and community development 

· Hands-on leadership and public speaking skills 

· A deeper understanding of food systems, equity, and food access 

· Professional connections and resume-building experience 

· The opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact in your community 

What You’ll Bring

· A passion for education, food access, and community service 

· A comfort in engaging with children and leading group activities 

· Strong communication skills and enjoyment for hands-on, active work 

· Reliability, adaptability, and an excitement to learn 

· An interest in making a difference in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment 

· A valid Driver’s License, as travel is required between the Grand Rapids and Holland locations 

Why You’ll Love It

· You’ll see your impact every single day—in classrooms, on the farm, and in the community 

· Your work directly supports children and families facing food insecurity 

· Every day is different: teaching, harvesting, mentoring, and collaborating 

· You’ll be part of a supportive, purpose-driven team 

Compensation:

· Bi-Weekly Living Stipend: $957.42

· Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (upon successful completion): $1,565.08

If you’re ready to spend your summer doing meaningful work that feeds both bodies and minds, we’d love to have you join us!

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