Founded in 2007 and based in Bellingham, Common Threads helps kids learn to make food choices that are good for their bodies, their communities, and the environment.  Through gardening, cooking, and eating, we create joyful opportunities for kids to practice teamwork, learn about the natural world, and take risks and try new things in a safe and supportive environment.

To date, the majority of our gardening, cooking, and eating programs have taken place on public school grounds, during the school day, in collaboration with classroom teachers and food service staff.  Schools are a great place to connect kids with healthy food because kids from all walks of life are there every day.

In addition to our school-based programming, Common Threads has also identified an opportunity to better meet the nutritional and recreational needs of our community’s most vulnerable youth through after-school supper clubs and summer breakfast and lunch clubs  which take place in low-income apartment complexes and community centers.  We also  run spring break and summer camp programs at Western Washington University’s Outback Farm. 

2019 is Common Threads’ 13th year of gardening and cooking with children.  We currently help close to 7000 children fall in love with healthy food each year.  

Our vision is of a world where:

• All children are given the resources, information, and experiences they need to make healthy food choices every day.
• The food that kids are exposed to sets them up for a life of healthy eating.  
• Healthy food and healthy food education becomes a joyful, expected norm: understood as an integral part of basic education.

The AmeriCorps Food Educator teaches gardening and cooking classes to kids. We know that when kids eat better, they learn better, act better and feel better.  We aim to  increase the likelihood that kids will make healthy food choices as they age, and decrease the likelihood of food related illness such as obesity and diabetes.  

Common Threads is  currently recruiting  for a state-wide team of 20 AmeriCorps food educators who will serve from August 20, 2019-July 31, 2020.  AmeriCorps Service Members receive a total stipend for the year of $15K (pre-tax), health insurance, food stamps (if eligible) and an end of service educational award of $6095. 

Applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis, with positions open until filled.  If this looks like a good fit for you, please do not delay in applying!