Position Purpose:

Gleaning is the act of harvesting and gathering surplus or “seconds” from farms. The mission of the Vermont Foodbank is to gather and share quality food and nurture partnerships so that no Vermonter will go hungry. The Gleaning Program is a key part of this mission, and through this process, we collect fresh and nutritious food that might otherwise go to waste. Gleaned or donated produce is delivered to food shelves, meal sights, and senior centers throughout Vermont.

The primary responsibility of the Food Access & Gleaning Program Assistant involves working with the Senior Manager – Community Engagement to support and manage the gleaning program from harvest to distribution as well as helping to maintain Vermont Foodbank partnerships. This position is responsible for organizing the distribution of gleaned produce in Chittenden County, developing, and maintaining relationships with food distribution sites and community partners, with a focus on culturally appropriate and relevant foods based on the community being served.

Building equity and racial justice into Vermont Foodbank’s organizational practices is everyone’s responsibility, and it requires the commitment and collaboration of every employee and team. Therefore, everyone is expected to honor diversity, contribute to an inclusive organizational culture, and leverage their own personal agency and scope of influence to center equity.

Schedule:

• Approximately May 21st – November 15th, 2024 (dates flexible).
• Up to 29 hours per week, 3-5 days/week. Varied based on need and schedule.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• In instances of a federal, state or locally declared emergency, Vermont Foodbank is typically considered an essential service and emergency responder; all of its employees may be called in to perform regular or emergent duties.
• The Foodbank relies on volunteers every day to fulfill our mission. All Foodbank employees must support our culture of philanthropy by treating every volunteer with appreciation and respect
• Contribute to a culture that enables the organization and our people to be successful
• Works cooperatively and able to communicate with staff and volunteers to support the mission of the Foodbank to meet and sustain Foodbank goals
• In instances of a federal, state or locally declared emergency, Vermont Foodbank is typically considered an essential service and emergency responder; all of its employees may be called in to perform regular or emergent duties.
• Communication, collaboration, and teamwork with supervisor, partners, interns, and volunteers as necessary for day-to-day tasks and planning to support the mission and programs of the Vermont Foodbank.
• Develop and maintain relationships with food distribution sites, farms, and food shelves.
• Assist with management of interns and volunteers.
• Record keeping and reporting daily and weekly gleaning data within Vermont Foodbank systems and with partners.
• Organization of distribution and storage of gleaned produce, with adhere to food safety and handling guidelines.
• Engagement in community food access initiatives within local communities.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes based on weather, partner abilities, and needs of the position.
• Remain open to feedback and mindful of team and community partners' needs and requests.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned by the Senior Manager – Community Engagement.

Skills/Qualifications:

• The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities an individual needs in order to perform this job successfully.

Education and/or Experience:

• Interest in community-based food systems, including food access, sovereignty, justice; gleaning, and agriculture. Broadly aware of issues around hunger, poverty, and nutrition preferred.
• General knowledge of the Chittenden County food system and key actors.
• Experience with agricultural systems, farms, or food access.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• This position requires work outside in all types of weather conditions including lifting, bending, pushing, and pulling. Must be able to repeatedly lift 40-60 pounds.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team, managing personal and group time.
• Experience and comfortability leading and organizing groups of varying sizes.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication between Vermont Foodbank staff and outside partners. Be open to communication outside of “work hours” based on weather and last-minutes changes or needs.
• Compassionate, organized, and able to work in an ever-changing environment.
• The individual must understand and agree with the vision and mission of the Vermont Foodbank and be committed to providing services to neighbors facing situations of hunger and poverty.

Language Skills:

• Excellent communication, marketing, writing, phone and public relations skills.

Technical/Computer Skills:

• Provide own personal device for phone communication. Note: The Vermont Foodbank will provide a computer for email access.

Certifications/Licenses/Registrations:

• A valid Vermont Driver’s License.
• 3-year motor vehicle report (MVR) showing a clean driving record.