INTERNSHIP

Local Food Systems Intern

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
Cornerstone West CDC is a non-profit organization based in Wilmington, DE. Cornerstone West CDC’s
mission is to create affordable housing and promote the revitalization of Wilmington’s West Side, a
unique and historic neighborhood made up of a collection of four small but cohesive communities at the
doorstep of downtown. A testament to Wilmington’s diversity, the West Side is home to some of the
most economically, racially, and socially diverse communities in the state. Cornerstone facilitated the
development of a West Side Revitalization Plan in 2012 and is leading implementation efforts in the
areas of economic development, housing, and community engagement. For more information, see our
website: www.westsidegrows.org or find us on Facebook: West Side Grows (Wilmington, DE).

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The staff person in this position will research and develop a sustainable local food system for the West
Side of Wilmington with a goal to increase food insecurity and access to fresh affordable produce, in
addition to assisting with designing projects, communications, event planning, and marketing
opportunities. The West Side Revitalization Plan is a collaborative effort focused on improving the
quality of life for residents while maintaining the character of the community. The Local Food Initiative
is working to address challenges in food insecurity and access on the West Side. The Local Food Systems
Intern will work closely with the Healthy Neighborhoods Manager and a variety of stakeholders to
implement and evaluate core programs in the organization’s focus areas of housing, economic
development, and community engagement. The Local Food Systems Intern reports to Cornerstone’s
Healthy Neighborhoods Manager and is a part-time, exempt position.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE
● Assist with research of best practices from other communities to be implemented here
● Analyze 2020 Local Food Assessment and develop a program for 2021.
● Research successful farmer’s markets and other sustainable food systems.
● Work with community gardeners at Rodney Reservoir Community Garden to establish a food
donation system and tracker.
● Support West Side Grows Community Gardens through outreach and management .
● Attend and facilitate Local Food Committee meetings.
● Assist with the planning and promotion of events, if applicable.
● Additional projects may be assigned based on the intern’s capability and initiative.

QUALIFICATIONS
● Commitment to learning and exploring local foods with a resident-driven approach.
● Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
● Experienced in working with diverse groups of people.
● Well organized and professional.
● Self-directed and comfortable taking initiative.
● Knowledge of marketing, social media, and community organizing.
Cornerstone West CDC | 710 N. Lincoln Street, Wilmington, DE 19805 | westsidegrows.org
● Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks.
● Strong verbal and written communication skills particularly via phone and email. Must be
responsive on a daily basis.
● Ability to work remotely and independently.

COMPENSATION AND CONDITIONS
● Stipend is $10-12 per hour.
● Time commitment is 15-20 hours per week for the duration of the spring semester or as needed.
● A satisfactory criminal background check, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are
required at time of appointment and throughout employment in this position.
● Must have own means of transportation.
● Must have access to stable internet and phone.
● Must have the capacity to work remotely.
● Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, in order to attend
community meetings and events.

COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES
We consider the health and well-being of our customers and staff to be of the utmost importance.
Cornerstone West CDC operates out of West End Neighborhood House, which is considered an essential
organization and has remained open to the public during the pandemic. Cornerstone West CDC staff
operates primarily from home, and is required to be in the office on an occasional, as-needed basis.
West End Neighborhood House follows all CDC guidelines, and requires any exposed staff and customer
who was within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more must quarantine for 14 days per Department of Health
guidelines. Additionally, all staff are required to have their temperature taken upon entry, wear a mask
at all times in the building, as well as use hand sanitizer regularly. Full coronavirus mitigation plan may
be found at westendnh.org.

TO APPLY
For consideration for this internship, please email your resume and cover letter to Claire Hamilton at
chamilton@westsidegrows.org.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. EOE/M/F/D/V