Position: Farm Produce Access Coordinator
Reports to: Milford Branch Director
Classification: Full-time/Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY:
The position of Farm Produce Access Coordinator exists to facilitate relationships with Delaware farmers, with the hope that these relationships will increase access to locally grown fruits and vegetables for underserved and vulnerable communities throughout the state. This position is responsible for:
- Development of enhanced relationships within the agricultural community, particularly with local famers, with the goal being to create mutually beneficial relationships (e.g., in kind tax benefits for donated product and labor, sharing of the costs of production, reduction of spoilage and unused land, etc.)
- Develop deeper relationships with the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA), the Delaware Farm Bureau and other farm related advocacy groups to raise awareness of opportunities that exist in the agriculture program at the Food Bank of Delaware
- Working with existing FBD infrastructure (including the Operations, Fleet, Programs, and the Volunteer Departments) to enhance organizational capacity and processes to accept and redistribute produce effectively and efficiently
- Increase the visibility of the organization’s already existing “Plant a Row” program to increase participation
- Working with the Food Bank of Delaware’s Nutrition Educators, Culinary School Chefs, and others within the agricultural community to develop a curriculum geared toward underserved and vulnerable communities and specific to the benefits of incorporating locally grown produce into their diet
- Reporting all progress and project outcomes as necessary
JOB DUTIES:
- Development of outreach and marketing materials to promote the benefits of partnering with the Food Bank of Delaware
- Increase the amount of Delaware sourced produce that is being obtained by the Food Bank of Delaware
- Increase the number of Delaware growers working with the Food Bank of Delaware
- Fulfill obligations of Specialty Crop Program grant requirements
- Develop Produce Enterprise Center at the Food Bank of Delaware and fully engage in all related aspects of its operation
- Conduct educational and outreach presentations throughout the state, highlighting the Food Bank of Delaware’s agriculture programs and opportunities
- Conduct workshops, highlighting the benefits of eating fresh produce, throughout the state through the following FBD established community programming and access points: Mobile Pantry, SNAP Outreach, School Pantry, SNAP-Ed, Summer Nutrition, After School Nutrition, Senior Nutrition, community events and community gardens
- Execute construction and maintenance of new Community Gardens throughout the State.
- Develop the internal process and system to more efficiently distribute produce received at both Food Bank of Delaware facilities
- Facilitate the internal process overseeing the produce flow while working with Programs, Volunteer, Culinary School and Operations departments acting as the produce point person for the organization
- Identify issues and develop resolutions to the produce product flow, while also identifying limitations within the existing infrastructure and the capital improvements required to increase our capacity for growth over the next 3-5 years
- Facilitate production donation pick-ups and farm visits throughout the State in a coordinated fashion.
PRINCIPAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Diploma or equivalent; degree preferred but not required
- 1 year of previous experience in Community Organizing
- A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Must have very strong self-initiative
- Must be able to work cooperatively in a team environment
- Strong interpersonal required with experience dealing with individuals from many different backgrounds, cultures, and races
- Computer literacy and familiarity with Microsoft Office
- Clean drug screening
- Satisfactory background screening
- General understanding of social service system and anti-hunger programs a plus
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to transport, lift, and carry operating equipment of 20 lbs. or more.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends. Unusual work hours and unusual environmental conditions are necessary.
The Food Bank of Delaware is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.
If interested please email resume to Jobs@fbd.org.
