Hunger in America Study
ABOUT THE FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
Food Bank For New York City recognizes 29 years as the city's major hunger-relief organization working to end food poverty throughout the five boroughs. As one of the country's largest food banks, our mission is to end hunger in New York City by organizing food, information and support for community survival and dignity. As the city's hub for integrated food poverty assistance, the Food Bank tackles the hunger issue on three fronts — food distribution, income support and nutrition education — all strategically guided by its research. Fighting a problem as complex as food poverty requires a clear understanding of the issues involved. The Food Bank's research initiatives allow us to engage in public policy discussions at the city, state and federal levels and help make deep, long-term improvements for New Yorkers in need.
ABOUT HUNGER IN AMERICA 2013
The purpose of the Hunger in America 2014 study is two-fold. First, it will collect information on the current work of the Feeding America network of food banks. This includes talking to agencies that get food and grocery items from food banks (agency survey) and from the clients they serve (client survey). The information collected from this study will help better understand the agencies they work with to provide hunger relief. Second, it will also identify issues faced by both the agencies and the clients they serve. Findings from this study will provide information they needed to fight hunger in America for the next several years. Feeding America and other local Food Bank's will use the data to advocate for government assistance such as TEFAP, CSFP, and SNAP. The findings will also support fundraising efforts by helping us to educate our donors and the public about the scope of services provided by food banks.
INTERNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
In order to complete this study, the Food Bank For New York City is seeking interns to travel to program sites; recruit clients to participate in the survey; record total count of the client survey; oversee application of sampling plan; engage clients; and conduct data collection throughout the five boroughs. Interns must be available at least one day per week (preferably two) in full or half day segments, willing to travel to any program within the five boroughs and must be able to use an iPad.
KEY QUALITIES / SKILLS DESIRED
- Commitment and interest in the study and its purpose
- Enthusiasm, flexibility, and patience
- Strong computer and internet connectivity skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to interact positively with diverse populations
- Capable of communicating persuasively and effectively
- Comfortable approaching clients and asking them to complete the survey
- Ability to use good judgment and show sensitivity towards clients
- Bilingual (preferable, but not required)
- Reliability
ACADEMIC LEVEL: Currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program
COMPENSATION: A monthly metro card will be provided for site visits. Internship can be completed for academic credit
