Food Equity Project Assistant

Food Equity Project Assistant

Ithaca Farmers Market

Nature of this position: This is a temporary part-time grant funded position with limited hours (approximately 8 hours per week) through mid-December or the expenditure of grant funds (whichever comes first. The assistant should be able to work in person at the Ithaca Farmers Market on Saturdays (Steamboat Landing on Third Street), virtually, and in partnership development meetings throughout the community. Candidates should have their own vehicle and be willing to transport food orders from Steamboat Landing to the Ithaca DMV on Saturdays. Availability from 11:00a-2:30p on those days is required. Evening flexibility for other pick up spots is helpful.

The position will be compensated at the rate of $19 per hour and is NOT benefits eligible.

Additional work hours assisting the Market Manager with other duties may be available depending on performance.

The position is supervised by the Ithaca Farmers Market Manger and the individual will be expected to work with farmers and food vendors at market, as well as be engaged in community outreach to agencies and organizations within the City of Ithaca that serve low income residents.

Project Description and Goals: This project is intended to minimize food insecurity for low to moderate income households (as defined by HUD) and SNAP recipients in the City of Ithaca . These households are eligible for a 60% discount when shopping on IFM’s online marketplace. The discount is given when the customer pays for the products ordered. Only produce, meats, baked goods, honey, syrup, cider and other such foods will be discounted (not for prepared foods or crafts). Customers will place online orders, that will be picked up between noon and 2 PM on Saturdays. Arrangements may be made for delivery of some orders depending on need.

The Project Assistant will be responsible for:

-Working with the Market Manager to manage the online ordering site, process online orders and assist with packing and pick-up (or delivery if requested).

-Assist with data gathering and reporting as required by the grant.

-Assist the Manager with payments to farmers for orders that were discounted.

-Assist the Manager with billing the City for grant reimbursement.

-Assist the Manager with quarterly reports as required by the grant.

-Manage the promotion and outreach of the program by developing partnerships and communicating with organizations and agencies that serve low to moderate income residents and those who receive SNAP benefits in the City. This may include periodic flyer creation and distribution, press releases, or other such media as will reach this audience.

-Create monthly reports on grant progress to the IFM Board and IFM’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

-Participate in DEI monthly evening meetings (virtual) as it pertains to the work of this Food Equity grant

Qualifications desired:

-attention to detail for accurate recordkeeping

-good communication skills with customers and vendors at market

-general awareness of resources and organizations in the Ithaca area

-some knowledge of how SNAP benefits work

-interest in helping to address food insecurity challenges in our community

-interest in making fresh locally produced foods affordable to Ithaca residents

-ability to lift 30 lbs of groceries to assist customers

-ability to secure transportation within the City of Ithaca

Apply:

-submit a short resume (1-2 pages) describing relevant experience along with a cover letter that states what motivates you to help improve food security and access to local foods for eligible City of Ithaca residents

-deadline: rolling until filled