Vycc Food And Farm Program Farm To Community Leader

VYCC Food and Farm Program Farm to Community Leader

VYCC's Food and Farm Program is a youth development, diversified agriculture and food security initiative. We believe in the power that food has to connect us with the land, our community, and each other.

On the farm, young people engage in the daily tasks of organic vegetable farming. The produce grown by Corps Members is distributed to more than 400 families through the Health Care Share project-- a public health initiative that connects Vermont families to locally-grown produce through their medical provider. Patients who may have nutrient-related illness or have barriers to accessing fresh produce receive a weekly share of fresh food.

We also raise laying hens for eggs, chickens for meat, and additional vegetables, flowers, and herbs that we sell through our vibrant, on-site farm stand. In addition to the work Corps Members do in the farm fields, they also spend time in the kitchen learning cooking skills. Working with the food they've grown, they explore different recipes and help prepare a daily lunch that is served to all farm crews, connecting the work in the fields to the food on their plates. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.

Member Duties : In the spring, the Leader participates in training, learns farm and leadership skills while guiding volunteer groups, and completes daily farm tasks. They also prepare the farm stand for opening day, including learning all the farm stand systems and working with other Farm Team members to increase awareness of VYCC's produce offerings for consumers and area restaurants.

In the summer, they spend their days working with members to stock the farm stand and oversee daily stand operations. They will also lead members in specialty harvests, keep detailed records of farm stand inventory, and assist in the creation of value-added products. Mid-summer, the Leader oversees the Farm at VYCC's presence at the Richmond Farmers Market.

In the fall, the Leader works alongside other Farm Leaders, guiding volunteers, harvesting for the Health Care Share and preparing for winter. They continue to manage the farm stand and assist with the preparation of value-added foods for the stand.

Program Benefits : Housing , Living Allowance , Education award upon successful completion of service , Training .

Terms :

Uniforms provided and required , Car recommended .

Service Areas :

Environment , Education , Community and Economic Development , Health , Hunger , Community Outreach , Children/Youth .

Skills :

Public Health , Education , Teaching/Tutoring , Youth Development , Conflict Resolution , Leadership , Team Work .