Devoted to Healthier Food in Schools, FoodCorps Launches
By: Anthony Adragna
Published: February 15, 2011

FoodCorps is a newly introduced offshoot of the federal government's AmeriCorps program that aims to bring corps members into public schools. With enormous rates of childhood obesity and other diet-related illnesses, FoodCorps will "build farm to school supply chains, expand food system and nutrition education programs, and build and tend on-campus food gardens." Through education and other initiatives, the program hopes to reduce illness and promote better food decisions in these communities.
Corps members will participate in the Farm to School movement that partners local farmers with schools, as a way to encourage healthier food in school cafeterias. The need for this type of program has never been greater: one in three young children born today will someday develop type II diabetes (among children of color the percentage increases to one in two). Here's some more information about the FoodCorps program (or check out their website):
How much will corps members be compensated? Compensation is generally a "modest" living stipend (around $15,000 on average), health insurance, and an education award of $5,550 upon completion of their term.
Where are FoodCorps positions available? Since this is the first year of the program, positions will be available in just 10 states: Arizona, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Maine, Oregon, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and North Carolina.
How long is the commitment? Corps members will serve for a one-year period, from August 15, 2011 and ends August 14, 2012.
When can I apply? Now! The application went live last week. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on April 10, 2011.
Am I too old? No, there is no upper age limit.

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