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Food Hub Specialist

CEDAM’s AmeriCorps Information: CEDAM’s AmeriCorps program connects local and statewide agencies to meet neighbors’ critical needs. Members create community, build capacity and serve neighbors across Michigan. Our AmeriCorps program advances equity for Michiganders in two key ways 1. Cultivating the next generation of leaders in the community economic development field and 2. Supporting economic inclusion for Michiganders.

Organizational Information:

Allen Neighborhood Center (ANC) serves as a dynamic hub where Lansing Eastside neighbors can access resources to improve their health and well-being; expand their capacity to seize job and entrepreneurial opportunities; create a strong sense of place, belonging, and community pride; and build a safe, sustainable, and thriving neighborhood. We take an integrative approach to community revitalization, offering health, food access, housing, social capital building, and corridor improvement programs.

* Participate in CEDAM AmeriCorps monthly meetings, trainings, events, data collection, reporting and additional items as needed.

* Participate in AmeriCorps & Michigan’s AmeriCorps events and trainings.

* The AmeriCorps member will assist with ANC’s weekly food pantry, farmers market, and Veggie Box (multi-farm Community Supported Agriculture program). The Food Hub Specialist should expect to participate in the following activities:

* Train and coordinate volunteers

* Assist with setup and tear down of each program

* Create promotional materials (print and digital), including social media content

* Facilitate relationships with local farmers/vendors, market patrons, volunteers and neighbors o Document program efficacy through surveys and evaluations

* Assist with record keeping and data collection

* Assist with food donation collection from partner organizations and local businesses

* Maintain relationships with farmers, vendors, neighbors and volunteers as needed to ensure program success

* Brainstorm best practices for the programs and assist in proactive research.

Preferred Qualifications:

● Willingness and interest in working with a diverse population while modeling patience, kindness, flexibility, respect, and maintaining privacy of those we’re assisting.

● Passion for strengthening the local food system and for ANC’s mission

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to flex communication styles for different kinds of audiences

● Commitment to Lansing’s Eastside, its residents, stakeholders as well as strategic partners throughout the mid-Michigan region.

● We believe that in order to serve our neighbors effectively, a diverse array of lived experiences and backgrounds must be centered in our team. We also believe that historically, nonprofit hiring practices disproportionately ignore the experiences of marginalized people in society. Therefore, we strongly encourage black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities to apply.

Minimum Qualifications:

● Be at least 18 years of age. Applicants must have a HS diploma, GED or working toward the completion of one.

● U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

● Pass the following National Service Criminal History Checks: State of Michigan background check, State of residency (if not Michigan), FBI Fingerprinting, and State & National Sex Offender Registry

Compensation:

Members will receive a living allowance of $26,000 distributed in even increments, bi-weekly. Members will receive student loan forbearance for qualified loans, health care package, child care assistance upon eligibility, and continual professional development. Upon successful completion of service an education award in the amount of $7,395 will be issued. Members will serve 1,700 hours for the term = 40 hours/week. CEDAM’s AmeriCorps Program is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made for interview/service as needed. All interested candidates must be available to spend 40 hours in training the week of September 9.

Internships

*At this time, ANC is no longer accepting internships for the Summer 2024 semester. Please check back for Fall 2024 internship opportunities.*

Hunter Park GardenHouse

Hunter Park GardenHouse Fall Internship

January 2024-April 2024

About Hunter Park GardenHouse

The Hunter Park GardenHouse is a project of Allen Neighborhood Center, a 501(c)(3) organization in Lansing, Michigan. The GardenHouse serves as a demonstration site and hub for year-round garden education. Neighbors volunteer to grow food, flowers, and community; and youth develop job and life skills in service to the neighborhood. Since 2008, the Hunter Park GardenHouse has empowered neighbors to grow, prepare, and eat healthy food to better their health and become more connected with the community. We are open 5 days a week and offer a wide assortment of programs.


GardenHouse volunteer shifts are held Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9:30am – 12:00 pm and Tuesday/Thursday 5:00 – 7:30 pm.  Office shifts are flexible but most often 12:00 – 2:30 pm on weekday afternoons.
Allen Neighborhood Center’s Hunter Park GardenHouse is offering up to 2 unpaid internships for the fall semester. We are able to partner with academic institutions to provide this internship for college credit. 


Internship Activities

This person will serve as the Hunter Park GardenHouse Intern who will:

  • Serve as Hunter Park GardenHouse shift leader 2-4 times per week (guide-by-the-side with volunteers to plant, harvest, water, weed, etc., and engage with visitors).
  • Document GardenHouse programs through social media (maintain Facebook page with photos & updates). 
  • Work with the GardenHouse Director to develop and implement GardenHouse special projects (i.e. native seed library, pollinator garden, host educational workshops etc.). 

Qualifications

  • Commitment to serve 8-10+ hours per week.
  • Desire and ability to engage with a diverse group of people, particularly those living in low-income distressed neighborhoods.
  • Ability to function independently and in a team environment.
  • Experience and/or interest in sustainable gardening/farming.
  • Familiarity with social media (Facebook) and basic photography. 
  • Good written and oral communication skills. 

How to Apply Submit a cover letter and resume to hpgh@allenneighborhoodcenter.org 

Youth Programs Internship

January 2024 – April 2024

Our Youth Programs are free and provide job and life skills as well as gardening and nutrition education. Take Root Garden Club (ages 5-10) is held Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30-5:30pm, and Youth Service Corps (ages 11- 17) is held Monday and Wednesday after school 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm.

Allen Neighborhood Center’s Hunter Park GardenHouse Youth Programs are offering two unpaid internships this academic year.

Internship Activities

  • Work with the Educational Programs Coordinator to help prepare & facilitate lessons and activities.
  • Document program efficacy through attendance records and evaluations.
  • Collaborate with other organizations on special events (field trips, special projects, etc.)
  • Document Youth Programs through social media (update Facebook with photos & updates).

Qualifications

  • Commitment to serve 10-12 hours per week
  • Kid-loving, organized, reliable, enthusiastic, and motivated.
  • Desire and ability to engage with a diverse group of people, particularly those living in low-income neighborhoods.
  • Ability to function independently and in a team environment.
  • Experience in gardening, nutrition, and civic engagement is a plus. As well as an interest in the arts and social justice.
    • Good written and oral communication skills.
    • Familiarity with social media (Facebook) and basic photography. We are able to provide this internship for college credit.

To Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume to ethans@allenneighborhoodcenter.org

Veggie Box

Community Supported Agriculture Internship

January 2024- April 2024

The Veggie Box is a program of Allen Neighborhood Center, a 501(c)(3) organization in Lansing, Michigan. Allen Neighborhood Center (ANC) serves as a dynamic hub where Lansing Eastside neighbors access resources to improve their health and well-being; expand their capacity to seize job and entrepreneurial opportunities; create a strong sense of place, belonging, and community pride; and build a safe, sustainable, and thriving neighborhood. Since 1999, ANC has pioneered programs in health education and outreach, housing improvement, food security and nutrition education, youth development, commercial corridor revitalization, and social capital building.


Veggie Box is a CSA, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture, and allows folks in the Lansing region to buy a subscription to fresh, local food. Our CSA is a multi-farm model that unites dozens of growers and food producers to feed a common community. For the summer of 2023, Veggie Box will serve 300 members between a Tuesday and Thursday distribution.


Allen Neighborhood Center’s Veggie Box program is offering 2 unpaid internships this fall from September-December, or September-April. We are able to partner with academic institutions to provide this internship for college credit.

 
Internship Activities

This person will serve as the Veggie Box Intern who will work with the Food Hub Manager to:

  • Collect information to create farmer/food producer profiles 
  • Assistance in the development and promotion of Veggie Box
  • Document program efficacy through surveys and evaluations 
  • Send invoices and track payments
  • Coordinate the receiving, packing, inventory, and management of produce
  • Manage relationships with local farmers and Veggie Box members

Qualifications

  • Commitment to serve a minimum of 8 hours per week.
  • Desire and ability to engage with a diverse group of people, particularly those living in low-income distressed neighborhoods, as well as farmers and business owners
  • Ability to function independently and in a team environment
  • Some knowledge of food systems, with experience being a plus
  • Exceptionally attentive to detail
  • Familiarity with social media (Facebook and Instagram) and basic photography
  • We believe that in order to serve our neighbors effectively, a diverse array of lived experiences and backgrounds must be centered in our team. We also believe that historically, nonprofit hiring practices disproportionately ignore the experiences of marginalized people in society. Therefore, we strongly encourage black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities to apply.

How to Apply

Apply through Handshake-or-Submit a cover letter and resume to Volunteer Coordinator: volunteering@allenneighborhoodcenter.org

Allen Farmers Market

Assistant Manager Internship

January 2024- April 2024

Do you have an interest in event planning, marketing, business development, community development, social work, finance/bookkeeping, management, communications, food science, agriculture, nutrition, small business, or farmers market management? Look no further! 


The Allen Farmers Market Assistant Internship opportunity will give you real life experience planning a weekly event, communicating with stakeholders in our community, coordinating volunteers and vendors, assisting with the farmers market bank, government assisted food programs, data collection, spreadsheets, marketing and more, all while building relationships and your resume! 


The Allen Farmers Market is a project of Allen Neighborhood Center (ANC), a 501(c)(3) organization in Lansing, Michigan. Since 2004, the market has served as a community hub where neighbors can find locally grown and produced foods, ready-to-eat dinner options, and a convivial atmosphere in which to socialize and build community. The market is held every Wednesday, year-round at ANC from 2:30 – 6:30p.m. and the right candidate must have Wednesday availability. 


We are looking for TWO Assistant Managers to join our crew from April – November. Consideration will be given to those that can commit for the duration of the Outdoor Season, but if you are the right candidate and can only commit for part of the season, consideration will still be given. 

Key Responsibilities


Management Assistance of the Allen Farmers Market will involve oversight of all operations of our year-round, weekly Market. The Market Assistant Intern will maintain relationships with vendors, customers, guests, and sponsors. General responsibilities include managing market operations, supervising volunteers, promotion and advertising, fundraising through sponsorship campaigns and collaborative grants, and keeping accurate records of sales and attendance. 
Specific responsibilities include: 

  • Wednesday availability for some or all of the timeframe, noon – 7:30p.m.
  • Vendor selection and support, including assisting vendors with merchandising, pricing, marketing, and business skills. 
  • Marketing and promotion; managing social media accounts and writing weekly e-bulletin; representing the Market to the community. 
  • Managing logistics and safety at the Market; maintaining supplies and equipment (tents, tables, chairs, etc.). 
  • Maintaining detailed financial, attendance, and product records, and keeping current all permits, licensing, and contractual agreements. 
  • Overseeing volunteer recruitment and training; creating a mutually beneficial experience for volunteers to learn, grow, and feel appreciated for their service. 
  • Training volunteers to operate the Market Bank, which facilitates transactions through credit/debit and EBT plus Double Up Food Bucks. 
  • Developing positive customer and vendor relations; conducting periodic surveys to measure satisfaction and seek feedback. 
  • Serve as an engager during the Market, answering questions for patrons, vendors, or volunteers and encouraging folks to visit the sponsor booth and other activities 
  • Assist with setup and/or breakdown of the event 
  • Bring fresh ideas of new marketing avenues, new organizations to involve, entertainment and more 
  • Assist with the Market Walk participants and Pedicab Drivers
  • Increase our foot traffic and maximize our pedicab resource for offsite parking
  • Assist with staying up to date with grant deadlines and data collection 
  • Meeting government deadlines for food assisted programs and record keeping
  • Opportunity to create graphics and advertisements 
  • Brainstorm enhancements to the Market 

Required Background, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • A professional and resourceful leadership style with the ability to work independently and with a team. 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Ability to develop, implement, nurture, and evaluate multiple initiatives.
  • Strong organizational skills with good attention to detail. 
  • Experience in creating and managing relationships with multiple partners, which in this position includes vendors, neighbors, volunteers/interns, and donors/sponsors. 
  • High level of initiative and personal confidence. 
  • Trustworthy and timely 
  • Commitment to Lansing’s Eastside, its residents, stakeholders and strategic partners throughout the mid-Michigan region. 

Strong candidates will have education or training related to the position and passion for food and community. Candidates must have Wednesday availability as well. 

Please call Jenny Wagemann at 517-999-3911 for further information or submit your resume and cover letter to jennyw@allenneighborhoodcenter.org. You are welcome to also drop it off at ANC, located at 1611 E. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing.

Finance

Nonprofit Finance & Business Internship

January 2024- April 2024

Organization Description

Allen Neighborhood Center (ANC) is a 501(c)(3) organization in Lansing, Michigan. ANC serves as a dynamic hub where Lansing Eastside neighbors access resources to improve their health and well-being; expand their capacity to seize job and entrepreneurial opportunities; create a strong sense of place, belonging, and community pride; and build a safe, sustainable, and thriving neighborhood. Since 1999, ANC has pioneered programs in comprehensive and integrative community development. 

Position Overview

This internship supports ANC Finance & Business Manager and Executive Director in tasks which blend traditional financial management (e.g., bookkeeping, payroll, grants management, creating, managing and analyzing budgets) with helping to manage, monitor, and grow the social enterprises operated by Allen Neighborhood Center (farmers market, Exchange, Veggie Box, Incubator Kitchen, etc.).

ANC is offering one Nonprofit Finance & Business internship for the fall semester with flexibility to extend to a full year. ANC is able to work with academic institutions to offer credit.  

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Gain experience in data entry and analysis using various software programs.
  • Generate reports, memorandums, correspondence, presentation materials, and other materials using various software programs.
  • Sort and distribute incoming, outgoing, and intercompany communications.
  • Assists with special events and functions as needed.
  • May be responsible for greeting visitors, as well as answering and routing incoming calls.
  • Conducts special projects, research, and assignments as needed.

Skills, Experience, and Obligations

  • Commitment to serve 10-15+ hours per week, with some availability M-F, 9-5.
  • Desire and ability to engage with diverse groups of people.
  • Experience with and/or interest in learning about nonprofit finance.
  • Good written and oral communication skills.
  • Experience with QuickBooks is a plus but not required.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume to daned@allenneighborhoodcenter.org