AmeriCorps Food Distribution Assistant
Reports to: Director of Community Programs
Bountiful Cities is an Asheville-based long-term food security and food access nonprofit. Our urban agriculture and culinary programs build skills that last a lifetime while promoting social justice, community resilience, and food sovereignty. We envision thriving communities where everyone has access to abundant, fresh, locally grown food. We manage and steward food forests, public gardens, and all the public school gardens throughout the city.
Position Summary
The AmeriCorps Food Distribution Assistant will serve in the Project POWER AmeriCorps program of Children First/ Communities in Schools. This position will support Bountiful Cities’ efforts to increase food access by participating in produce procurement, aggregation, and distribution for schools, partner organizations, and community members. This position supports efficient weekly operations including produce pickups, packing, and the facilitation of our Free Share Market. The AmeriCorps Food Distribution Assistant also builds and maintains relationships with farms, nonprofits, and community partners, works with volunteers, and helps to ensure that each market and distribution event runs smoothly. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, attentive to detail, and passionate about equitable food access.
Schedule:
This is a part time 20- 25 hour per week, hybrid position with required in-person availability on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons as well as occasional evenings.
Key Responsibilities
● Support weekly donation pick ups from community partners and garden partners
● Assist with organizing and storing produce in the Pearson Food Hub walk-in cooler
● Support delivery and distribution of produce from MANNA and Pearson to local schools and partner sites
● Assist with food distribution events at partner schools
● Solicit and pick up produce donations from community partners including grocery stores, farms, the Society of St. Andrews, Terramonga/Mother Earth, and local gardeners contributing to the Share Market
● Support collaborative efforts with other regional food distribution organizations, including Food Connection, Bounty & Soul, and Equal Plates
● Support the weekly Free Share Market, ensuring smooth set-up, operation, and breakdown
● Schedule Share Market dates and collaborate on promotional materials with the City of Asheville, Asheville City Schools, and Bountiful Cities staff
● Assist with community outreach and advertising for the Share Market in partnership with Bountiful Cities staff and community allies
● Assist with volunteer coordination efforts to support weekly distribution, including facilitating volunteer training
● Assist with gathering supplies for each Share Market, including bags, tables, signage, and weekly recipes
● Work with Master Gardeners and other community partners to enhance market education and engagement opportunities
● Perform other duties as assigned to support the team and organization
Qualifications
● Experience in food distribution, agriculture, community organizing, or related work preferred
● Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
● Comfortable with physical work including lifting, loading, and moving produce
● Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work with diverse community members
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team
● Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for produce pickups and deliveries; mileage will be reimbursed
● Applicants must carry current car insurance; if their vehicle is fully paid off and does not require full coverage, they must still maintain active liability insurance
● Professional references available
Preferred Experience
● Experience coordinating volunteers or community events
● Familiarity with local food systems, agricultural practices, or food access initiatives
● Language familiarity beyond English
Work Environment & Compensation Average of 20- 25 hours per week and a monthly stipend totaling $19,000 for the year, healthcare benefits, and educational award all paid through Project Power Americorps of Children First/ Communities in Schools
For information on how to apply, contact:
Catherine Saunders, Project Power Program Director with Children First:
catherines@childrenfirstbc.org
Cathy Cleary, Director of Community Programs with Bountiful Cities
Bountiful Cities prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. We actively solicit participation from all ethnic and racial backgrounds.
This job description is simply a description of the position and its normal duties. It is in no way intended to serve as any form of contract.