The Anti-Hunger and Opportunity Corps (AHOC) is an AmeriCorps VISTA project, sponsored by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and the Wal-Mart Foundation, and managed by the New York City Coalition Against Hunger. The VISTA members work in both rural and urban areas across the country as part of a public-private partnership to improve access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps) for Americans in need.
Position Description:
Whitewater Valley Presbytery in partnership with the New York City Coalition Against Hunger is seeking a full-time VISTA member to…
• Improve access to nutritious food options by enhancing awareness of the availability of utilization of benefits at farmers’ markets; support local, community gardening and agriculture efforts; and provide nutrition education information and opportunities for low-income members.
• Convene community leaders and members to identify SNAP program barriers and develop a comprehensive plan to improve access in their communities.
• Recruit, manage, and train community volunteers to conduct screening and application assistance and to develop SNAP program materials and application assistance materials along with related training to community-based organizations.
• Identify and apply for non-federal sources of funds that can be combined to improve benefits access assistance and access activities and leverage federal, state and local dollars to support these sites’ anti-hunger efforts.
• Assist community and faith-based organizations and state agencies in decreasing barriers and improving access to USDA FNS’s SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) Program in order to help enable people eligible for SNAP to obtain employment and/or increase their wages, with the hope that someday they will no longer need SNAP benefits.
Time Commitment:
This is a one year, full-time position beginning August 4, 2014. You are expected to be available for the needs of your community and project at all times, including days, nights and weekends. Because AmeriCorps VISTA service requires a full immersion in the project and community, both full and part-time employment are strictly prohibited – no exceptions – as well as adhere to some political and religious activities. For more information, please review the AmeriCorps VISTA Terms, Conditions and Benefits information available here.
Housing:
You are responsible for finding your own housing. No housing allowance will be provided. However, Whitewater Valley Presbytery in partnership with Irvington Presbyterian Church does have a low-rent option (the church’s Hospitality House) which you may wish to consider.
Program Benefits:
• $946 monthly living allowance, paid biweekly
• Segal Education Award ($5,645) or End-of-Service stipend ($1,500)
• Health benefits * (previous year’s VISTAs strongly encourage also enrolling in the “Health Advantage” program offered by Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis.)
• Opportunity to forbear student loans while in service
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)
•Childcare assistance (if applicable)
• Optional life insurance
• One year non-competitive status for federal government positions
• A network of over 180,000 AmeriCorps VISTA members and alums
How to Apply:
Please go to : https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=53343&fromSearch=true and complete the program application. In addition, please also send a resume and cover letter to Rev. Felipe Martinez by July 18, 2014.
*Health benefits provided by participating in the AmeriCorps VISTA program currently do not meet the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act. If an AmeriCorps VISTA participant does not enroll in a separate program to meet this mandate, s/he may be assessed a penalty payment.