LEAP Food Access Internship

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The Food Access intern will support LEAP’s mission by assisting in the daily work of our mobile and fixed site farmers markets. This position will report to the Food Access Manager. This is an unpaid internship. Interns are encouraged to bring home a new fruit or vegetable each week to  learn about and cook with. If this internship is an eligible opportunity for college credit, LEAP  staff will complete any necessary paperwork.

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Position Description:

The Food Access intern will work with the LEAP Mobile Market, the Virginia Fresh Match/Market Bucks program, and our light processing program. Interns will learn about the operations of LEAP’s public food access points and how we work to make local food more accessible to everyone in our community.

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Requirements:

• Interest in food systems or local agriculture
• Ability to follow direction well and work thoroughly and efficiently
• Strong attention to detail and well organized
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to interact with diverse populations
• Able to lift 40 lbs.
• Willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Follow all food safety guidelines

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Responsibilities:

• Assist with loading and unloading of food and equipment at the LEAP Hub and at each Mobile Market site.
• Assist the Mobile Market Manager with stocking the truck between and at stops, doing quality checks, keeping the truck tidy.
• Interact directly with Mobile Market shoppers; assist with bagging/selecting produce, answer questions about food and prices, etc.
• Work with our Kitchen Manager to prepare and freeze local produce and package for retail sales to increase our selection of more accessible local foods.

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Schedule:

6-12 hours a week. Runs May through January. The duration of the internship is flexible.

About LEAP

Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP) is a Roanoke-based 501c3 nonprofit. Founded in 2009, LEAP strives to nurture an equitable food and farming system that prioritizes health and abundance. LEAP programs include two farmers markets, a mobile market, an online marketplace, a farm share, a food hub, a commercial kitchen, three community gardens, and robust nutrition incentive programs. LEAP also works with community partners from across the region on initiatives that promote farm to community and food system development. LEAP is the lead organization for Virginia Fresh Match, a statewide network of markets and retail outlets that make fruits and vegetables more affordable for SNAP participants.

To Apply

Email a cover letter and resume to Kelly Key at kelly@leapforlocalfood.org or drop them off at The LEAP Hub at 1027 Patterson Ave. SW, Roanoke.

If you need assistance with the application process, please contact Kelly Key (kelly@leapforlocalfood.org or 540-492-5311).

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