Sr Farmer's Market Nutrition Program Intern

Job Description JOB TITLE: Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program InternDEPARTMENTS: CSFPREPORTS TO: CSFP SupervisorLOCATION: Brooklyn Park, as well as at Metro-Based Community OrganizationsSTATUS: Non-Exempt (Hourly)HOURS: 15- 20 hours/week, within 8am-4pm business hours. Duration is mid-June to mid-August.POSITION SUMMARY: The Commodity Supplemental Food Program partners with the Department of Agriculture to provide low-income seniors with the ability to purchase fresh, locally grown produce from farmers' markets in their communities. This internship gives hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment by administering this federal program. Interns provide direct service to clients during the distribution of commodity boxes and farmer's market coupons. Coupons are used at participating Farmer's Markets for participants to purchase fresh nutritious produce. Interns will gain behind the scenes experience with client registration, site operations, and administrative work. Interns may also design a project of their choosing to address program needs with guidance from the CSFP Team.DUTIES:Assist staff with implementation of the Department of Agriculture's Farmer's Market Coupon Program.Distribution of coupons to seniors at the Brooklyn Park Client Services space.Distribution of coupons at CSFP distribution sites around Twin Cities Metro area as assigned.Efficiently answer and return customer phone calls, make reminder phone calls, demonstrating a high degree of customer service. Support direct home delivery service provided at Brooklyn Park by making phone calls as needed in support of direct delivery service.Assist program staff in the completion of monthly paperwork, including processing client paperwork and data entry as needed.Perform neighbor intake procedures as needed; determine eligibility/recertify current participants for CSFP.Facilitate the smooth, efficient and timely distribution of program food and any additional items at the drive-through and external sites as assigned (food boxes are 30-35 pounds each).Assist in other Neighbor Services Program areas as needed; such as attending outreach events, produce distributions, and assisting with resource mailings.Option to design and present a self-directed project, addressing an identified program need; work with CSFP Team to refine.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:Ability to adjust to changing priorities and to work in a fast -paced environment.Willingness to interact patiently and empathetically with neighbors from a wide variety of backgrounds.Initiative to identify and act on problems.Outstanding time-management and organizational skills.Access to reliable transportation to visit in-person distribution sitesPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Applicants who are bilingual in English and another language commonly spoken in Minnesota are strongly encouraged to apply. (i.e. Hmong, Somali, Russian, or Vietnamese)PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES:Making concrete, positive changes in the food security of households in Minnesota.Increase personal comfort and confidence with direct service to individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds, and low-income populations.Learn to work independently while serving an integral role within a broader team.Gain exposure to the inner workings of a successful non-profit, as well as to federal nutrition programs.Receive guidance and feedback in resume and cover letter writing, networking and interview skills.