JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s work environment is fast paced and collaborative. We value creative thinking, approach our work with energetic spirit, and strive to have fun together while we’re at it!
Farm Fresh Rhode Island seeks an outgoing and energetic part-time AmeriCorps member with demonstrated initiative, existing cooking knowledge, and a passion for mentoring youth to support Farm Fresh RI’s Harvest Kitchen program. Harvest Kitchen is a 15-week culinary and job-readiness training program for youth ages 16-20 involved with the RI Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF). The youth create a line of high quality preserved foods using ingredients sourced from local farms, while building a stable foundation to maintain employment beyond their time with Harvest Kitchen. This position offers a unique opportunity to support existing trainees through curriculum enhancement, one on one mentorship, and providing referrals to support youth trainees to additional programs beyond Harvest Kitchen services. This position starts in January 2020. Deadline to apply is December 14, 2019.
Primary Responsibilities
- Refine existing Harvest Kitchen training curriculum to deepen activities around food security, farming, and community economic development.
- Establish meaningful relationships and act as a mentor to Harvest Kitchen trainees and alumni.
- Update trainee and alumni database and support implementing program performance measurement systems.
- Seek opportunities for collaboration between Harvest Kitchen trainees and outside organization programs and services.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have high school diploma/GED; college degree preferred but not required.
- Must commit to a full 45 week AmeriCorps service term from January 2020 to October 2020.
- Must be willing to work a flexible part-time 25 hours per week, with a schedule ranging from 7am-8pm.
- Must be willing to work occasional nights and weekends, as needed. Schedules are determined by program needs and will be worked out with supervisor.
- Must be able to work well in a diverse environment.
- Must be able to bend and lift loads up to 50 pounds.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National or Permanent Resident and be able to provide documentation of citizenship.
- Must be willing to undergo a National Criminal History Background Check.
- Must have a strong desire to work with underserved youth in the care of RI DCYF.
- Experience with youth/youth development is preferred.
- Experience in the culinary industry is preferred but not required.
- Excellent professional communication skills (written and verbal) a must.
- Must have great attention to detail
- Must be a self-starter, with the ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude.
- Must be able to collaborate and work as part of a team.
- Must have excellent time-management skills.
- Ability to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment.
- Spanish skills or other language skills are a plus.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. Members commit their time to address critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, and fighting poverty. Members commit to a fixed term of service and receive a living allowance and end of service education award.
Organizational Info
Begun in 2004 as a student thesis project at Brown University, Farm Fresh RI has grown briskly to capture the public interest in locally grown food and translate it into sales for RI farmers and producers. Strongly mission-driven, Farm Fresh achieved 501c3 status in 2007, and has since implemented a variety of programs to enhance the local food system of the Rhode Island region, with particular attention to farm viability and low-income access to fresh food. Farm Fresh RI operates a wide range of marketplace programs (retail, wholesale, processing) that engage and connect tens of thousands of RI, MA and CT eaters with thousands of RI, MA and CT farmers.
Mission: Farm Fresh Rhode Island is growing a local food system that values the environment, health and quality of life of RI farmers and eaters.
Vision: A New England abundant with diverse family farms and fertile soils, with locally and honestly produced foods and flavors at the heart of every dinner table.
AmeriCorps Member Benefits
- $7000 Living Stipend, divided and paid weekly (est $156.00)
- $3097.50 Segal Education Award (upon completion of 900 hours of service)
- Student Loan Forbearance
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Professional Development opportunities
To Apply
Fill out this online application. Applications are due December 14, 2019.
The Farm to School AmeriCorps member will work with our Farm to School team to implement program activities across Rhode Island. They will research, design and pilot local food and nutrition education activities alongside staff and volunteers. As the Farm to School AmeriCorps member, you will ensure our Nutrition Education department works with community institutions and the public school system to extend greater access to healthy locally grown food across populations. This includes supporting school garden programs, in-school and after-school food and nutrition education program series, and local fresh fruit and vegetable cafeteria taste tests. Being an enthusiastic healthy food advocate is a must, and an understanding of growing and garden practices is preferred but not required. This position starts January 2020. Deadline to apply is December 14, 2019.
Primary Responsibilities
- Refine existing food literacy and Farm to School curriculum, pilot new activities in sites across RI.
- Implement Farm to School program series in school, after school, and during summer camp programs.
- Establish meaningful relationships with Farm to School stakeholders including foodservice staff, school nurses, principals and teachers, and farmers implementing Farm to School activities.
- Support data tracking and program performance measurement systems.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have high school diploma/GED; college degree preferred but not required.
- Must commit to a full 45 week AmeriCorps service term from January 2020 to October 2020.
- Must be willing to work a flexible part-time 25 hours per week, with a schedule ranging from 7am-8pm.
- Must be willing to work occasional nights and weekends, as needed. Schedules are determined by program needs and will be worked out with supervisor.
- Must be able to work well in a diverse environment.
- Must be able to bend and lift loads up to 50 pounds.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National or Permanent Resident and be able to provide documentation of citizenship.
- Must be willing to undergo a National Criminal History Background Check.
- Must have a strong desire to work with youth in K-12 and early childcare settings.
- Experience with youth/youth development is preferred.
- Experience in group facilitation, classroom, and/or training is preferred.
- Excellent professional communication skills (written and verbal) a must.
- Must have great attention to detail
- Must be a self-starter, with the ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude.
- Must be able to collaborate and work as part of a team.
- Must have excellent time-management skills.
- Ability to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment.
- Must hold a valid drivers license and have access to reliable transportation.
- Spanish skills or other language skills are a plus.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. Members commit their time to address critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, and fighting poverty. Members commit to a fixed term of service and receive a living allowance and end of service education award.
Organizational Info
Begun in 2004 as a student thesis project at Brown University, Farm Fresh RI has grown briskly to capture the public interest in locally grown food and translate it into sales for RI farmers and producers. Strongly mission-driven, Farm Fresh achieved 501c3 status in 2007, and has since implemented a variety of programs to enhance the local food system of the Rhode Island region, with particular attention to farm viability and low-income access to fresh food. Farm Fresh RI operates a wide range of marketplace programs (retail, wholesale, processing) that engage and connect tens of thousands of RI, MA and CT eaters with thousands of RI, MA and CT farmers.
Mission: Farm Fresh Rhode Island is growing a local food system that values the environment, health and quality of life of RI farmers and eaters.
Vision: A New England abundant with diverse family farms and fertile soils, with locally and honestly produced foods and flavors at the heart of every dinner table.
AmeriCorps Member Benefits
- $7000 Living Stipend, divided and paid weekly (est $156.00)
- $3097.50 Segal Education Award (upon completion of 900 hours of service)
- Student Loan Forbearance
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Professional Development opportunities
To Apply
Fill out this online application. Applications are due December 14, 2019.
The Harvest Kitchen general internship position is an approximately 12-hour-per-week position working directly with our Harvest Kitchen Program Director and our Retail Supervisor. Depending on your interest, this position may include the following tasks:
Culinary Education
- Work alongside our youth trainees and chef educators on the production of value-added products such as our signature Apple Chips, Stewed Tomatoes, Pickles, and more.
- Assist with implementation and hands-on culinary activities.
- Shifts available Monday–Friday, 10:30am-1:30pm and 3:30-6:30pm.
Café
- Work alongside our retail staff and youth trainees in the front of house — Shifts available Monday–Friday.
- Outreach and event-coordination assistance — Shifts vary.
Farmers Market Tabling
- Work alongside our youth trainees at our retail table at the farmers market, selling Harvest Kitchen products as well as products made by other local producers (to supplement the market offerings).
- Maintain positive, equitable relations with all market vendors and customers.
- Shifts available at the Farm Fresh Winter Market in Pawtucket, Saturdays 8:00am to 2:00pm (November 2, 2019 through April 25, 2020), and vary throughout the summer market season (May through end of October).
Availability & Hours
- Background check (BCI) required.
- Flexible hours, approximately 12 per week, depending on applicant's interest.
- Flexible start and end dates, with a minimum of three-month commitment required.
To Apply
- Send questions and applications to chefjen@farmfreshri.org.
- Please write "Harvest Kitchen Internship" in the subject line.
- Be sure to include your resume and a letter of interest/cover letter.
The Harvest Kitchen culinary education internship is an approximately 12-hour-per-week position working directly with our Harvest Kitchen Program Director and our chef educators.
Primary Responsibilities
- For individuals interested in hands-on culinary work and youth development in a hectic kitchen environment.
- Work alongside our youth trainees and chef educators on the production of value-added products such as our signature Apple Chips, Stewed Tomatoes, Pickles, and more.
- Assist with implementation and hands-on culinary activities.
Skills Required
- At least minimum kitchen skills and comfort in a kitchen environment.
- Excellent professional communication skills (written and verbal).
- Great attention to detail.
- Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment.
Availability and Hours
- Background check (BCI) required.
- Flexible hours, approximately 12 per week, depending on applicant’s interest.
- Flexible start and end dates, with a minimum three-month commitment required.
- Shifts available Monday–Friday, 10:30am-1:30pm and 3:30-6:30pm
To Apply
- Send questions and applications to chefjen@farmfreshri.org.
- Please write "Harvest Kitchen Internship" in the subject line.
- Be sure to include your resume and a letter of interest/cover letter.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is strongly committed to providing information on local farms, agriculture, and nutrition to a broad range of community members across the state — in schools and libraries, preschools, and senior centers and housing. Our programs are hands-on, interactive, and work to provide participants with the information needed to make smart choices about food while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities. Programs also seek to share cultural traditions around food and celebrate the diverse culinary heritage of Rhode Island.
Our Nutrition Education interns will assist the program in two different capacities:
- At programs: Interns will work alongside our staff as healthy food ambassadors at various program sites.
- In the office: Interns will assist with outreach and recruitment efforts, data entry, curriculum development, as well as program operations.
Primary Responsibilities
- Assist with direct programming — This could mean leading an activity and cooking demonstration at one of the senior centers we work with, leading a gardening program, going into preschools to do an activity, etc.
- Perform curriculum research and development.
- Contribute to social media and communications.
- Review lesson plans.
- Create nutrition resource overview for volunteers/those without nutrition background (based on experience).
- Outreach to new audiences.
- Table at our Winter Market.
- Prepare food samples for programs.
- Assist with data entry and tracking.
Required Qualifications
- Self-starter
- Good customer service skills and willingness to engage with adults and children
- Interest in food access and community health
- Problem-solver and innovative thinker
- Flexible and able to adapt to changes
- Willingness to work hands-on in various environments
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Conversational Spanish skills
- Experience working with diverse populations
- Access to reliable transportation
- Basic culinary skills
To Apply
- Send questions and applications to stephanie@farmfreshri.org.
- Please write "Nutrition Education Internship" in the subject line.
- Be sure to include your resume and a letter of interest/cover letter.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is looking for an intern for our Market Mobile program. Market Mobile is a transparent, wholesale distribution platform that works to connect local growers and producers to eaters. Our customer base includes restaurants, hospitals, universities, and many more. As an intern, you will get an inside look into the fast paced and exciting world of local food while getting to know the ins and outs of wholesale distribution. A passion for local food and sustainability are a must!
Primary Responsibilities
- Assist Market Mobile Manager with outreach efforts to local restaurants and businesses
- Assist Market Mobile with customer service and communication needs
- Assist with administrative duties, such as delivery paperwork, or packline assistance
- Additional administrative activities as directed by Market Mobile Manager.
Skills Required
- Excellent professional communication skills (written and verbal)
- Great attention to detail
- Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment
Availability & Hours
- Flexible hours, 8-12 per week, depending on applicant’s interest
- Flexible start and end dates
- Shifts available five days a week
- Availability on Monday and Wednesday afternoons is required
- Additional availability on Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings is preferred
To Apply
- Send questions and applications to rachel@farmfreshri.org.
- Please write "Market Mobile Internship" in the subject line.
- Be sure to include your resume and a letter of interest/cover letter.
This position is a part-time hourly position. Compensation is commensurate with experience.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is seeking a committed and reliable team player to join our Harvest Kitchen team. Harvest Kitchen is part of Farm Fresh Rhode Island's initiative to increase the variety of value-added local farm products available, and part of the Farm Fresh RI mission to create a community-based food system. Harvest Kitchen covers multiple facets of programming, including:
- A 20-week culinary and job-readiness training program for youth involved with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families
- A sister production and training program that operates within the Rhode Island Training school. All products created by Harvest Kitchen use ingredients sourced from local farms. The program focuses on empowering youth to understand how their activities connect to the local food system and the local food movement at large, while gaining necessary skills and experiences to be able to pursue their personal and professional goals.
- A local-foods café, offering delicious, nutritious, and reasonably priced foods in a neighborhood without many healthy options to choose from. The café also serves as an on-site retail training space where youth in our culinary training program can experience how it is to be working in the "front of house" while still in a structured learning environment.
Primary Responsibilities
The cashier position will be focused in the Harvest Kitchen café at 2 Bayley Street in downtown Pawtucket, which is open to the public 8:00am-3:00pm Monday through Friday. The cashier position will require shifts as early as 7:00am, as well as customer service skills, attention to detail, and cleanliness.
Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:
- Maintain a clean and well-stocked cashier station, dining space, and bathroom area.
- Maintain a working knowledge of menu offerings and ingredients with awareness of Harvest Kitchen allergen policy.
- Understand the relationship of Harvest Kitchen's menu and products as it relates to the local food system and local farmers.
- Ensure customer satisfaction with service and food quality. Harvest Kitchen’s customer service principles emphasize excellent customer experiences.
- Cash handling and financial transactions; ensuring every sale is correctly charged and closed.
- Complete all daily scheduled shift duties and side work.
- Communicate with kitchen management staff during scheduled shift through oral communication or short written correspondence/memos.
- Ensure safe food handling procedures for food sampling according to the RI Department of Health.
- Model positive and professional workplace behavior for coworkers, customers, and youth in training.
Desired Qualifications
- Ability to solve customer issues and concerns immediately and efficiently
- Punctuality and ability to maintain a good attendance record
- Attention to personal hygiene and uniform standards
- Maintaining professionalism at all times while on premises or when representing Harvest Kitchen off site
- Ability to perform and manage POS (point of sale) operations and financial transactions
- Ability to stand for up to four hours
Preferred Qualifications
- Food Safety Manager Certification (preferred, not required)
- Customer Service and/or Food Service experience
To Apply
- Please send resume and cover letter to Harvest Kitchen Program Director, Jen Stott, at chefjen@farmfreshri.org
- Or drop off your resume and cover letter at Harvest Kitchen, 2 Bayley Street, Pawtucket, RI.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island Foundational & Organizational Outcomes
As an organization, we feel it is important that all employees in all programs of Farm Fresh Rhode Island are expected to uphold the following outcomes in addition to their specific job responsibilities:
- Diversity, Inclusion, & Respect: All staff and volunteers are committed to equality in the workplace, demonstrate respect for each other and those we serve, and work to create a more equitable food system.
- Food Safety: Certifications are maintained and standard operating procedures are followed to ensure safe food handling at all times.
- Health & Safety: Staff, volunteers, and visitors are safe in our office, café, and at all program sites. Staff and volunteers feel safe and supported in the workplace.
- Food Systems Knowledge: All workers can speak about local, sustainable, and equitable food system development and understand how Farm Fresh RI programs address different aspects of these topics.
- Service Orientation: Staff and volunteers are helpful and respectful in all interactions with each other and with all constituents of all Farm Fresh RI programs.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment for all employees. We encourage enquiries from candidates who will enrich and contribute to the cultural and ethnic diversity of our organization. Farm Fresh RI does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability status in employment or programming. Farm Fresh Rhode Island is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
