AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate

Kids' Food Basket•Grand Rapids, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Spend your summer making a real impact with Kids’ Food Basket. As an AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate, you’ll support hands-on STEM learning, healthy meals, and fresh food access while gaining experience in education, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership. As part of the Michigan Community Service Commission’s Community Resilience Project, you’ll support Kids’ Food Basket’s Nourishing Futures initiative by expanding nutrition education, farm experiences, and access to healthy meals for Grand Rapids Public Schools summer scholars. You’ll work directly with K–8 students, volunteers, and community partners at schools and local farms.

Requirements

A passion for education, food access, and community service
A comfort in engaging with children and leading group activities
Strong communication skills and enjoyment for hands-on, active work
Reliability, adaptability, and an excitement to learn
An interest in making a difference in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
A valid Driver’s License, as travel is required between the Grand Rapids and Holland locations

Responsibilities

Lead engaging, hands-on STEM lessons focused on nutrition, agriculture, and healthy habits
Teach interactive sessions like seed planting, food science, and “eat the rainbow” activities
Support up to 90 students per day through dynamic, small-group learning
Facilitate farm visits with activities like planting, harvesting, and exploring pollinators
Help students connect food, health, and the environment in real-world settings
Distribute nutritious Sack Suppers to students in high-need communities
Support efforts that will provide approximately 8,000 meals over the summer
Recruit and engage volunteers to support farm operations
Provide hands-on training and guidance during volunteer shifts
Help design and implement volunteer recognition efforts