Healthy Food Access and Marketing AmeriCorps VISTA

About SOS:  The Star of the Sea Foundation is the largest huger-relief agency in the Florida Keys. Due to a severe lack of affordable housing, a plethora of low-wage jobs in the tourism and hospitality industries, and the highest cost of living in the entire state, almost half (46%) of individuals and families struggle to afford to live in Monroe County. Through direct food distributions, nutrition education efforts, and federal feeding programs, the Star of the Sea Foundation aims to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations in the Florida Keys. SOS VISTA members work out of its commercial-grade Community Kitchen and have the opportunity to be involved in multiple areas and programs of the organization.

Scope: The goal of the Healthy Food Access and Marketing VISTA is to enhance nutritious food assistance and education among low-income and working-poor individuals, families, and senior citizens in Monroe County, FL. Working with local stakeholders, partner agencies, and recruited volunteers, the VISTA will increase the capacity and sustainability of SOS's hunger-relief and nutrition education programs with the goal of fostering healthier generations of Monroe County residents. The VISTA will focus on increasing community awareness and understanding of SOS's Programs through visual and written storytelling in digital and print media.

Service Areas : Children/Youth , Environment , Hunger , Health , Education , Community Outreach .

Skills : Team Work , Computers/Technology , Non-Profit Management , Education , General Skills , Social Services , Public Health , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Writing/Editing , Communications , Community Organization , Environment

The VISTA position is a full-time, year-long assignment and entails an annual living stipend of approximately $26,962 (as determined by AmeriCorps VISTA). Housing is provided. If the applicant already has housing secured, a housing stipend payable directly to the landlord will be provided. At the end of the service year, VISTA members are also eligible to receive either a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $6,895 to pay for student loans or continuing education, OR an end-of-service cash stipend of $1,800. Additional benefits include relocation assistance (if applicable), health care benefits, and student-loan forbearance or deferment. The selected candidate will attend a VISTA pre-service orientation at a TBD date and location prior to beginning service at SOS. Based on a satisfactory service year, the selected candidate may have the option to serve an additional year.

*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare 

** For more details about all AmeriCorps VISTA benefits, please

visit https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/vista/benefits