A uniquely American invention, Cooperative Extension was created in 1914 as a part of the US Department of Agriculture's land grant university system to provide continuing education to people in their homes and communities. The land grant institution in New York is Cornell University, one of the world's leading research institutions.

For over 90 years, Cornell Cooperative Extension and its partnerships has provided programs for Orange County residents on youth and family development; nutrition, health, and food safety; community and economic vitality; and agricultural sustainability through Cornell based research. Committed to Orange County, we design programs to meet local needs to enable people to improve their lives and communities.

This position will serve as a Seasonal Assistant for the Gleaning/Food Security Program for Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County.

Based in Middletown, the GleanMobile is a gleaning and produce recovery program.  Working with community agencies, local agricultural producers and volunteers, our goal is to enhance the nutrition of our local emergency food system while reducing waste. As a part of this program, the assistant will utilize connections between farmers and emergency food programs to increase the amount of fresh produce available to people experiencing food insecurity. Responsibilities of this position will include the pickup and delivery of donated vegetables from local farms to local agencies. Delivery of food donations happens in an 18 foot refrigerated box truck (valid driver's license required, no special licenses needed). This position will provide program coordination and support to the Gleaning/Food Security Program during the harvest season. This position will also assist in the coordination volunteers for field gleanings and other events in collaboration with educator and other program staff; maintain records and communicate CCEOC's mission to community organizations, civic groups, and other participants and supporters. 

The Seasonal Program Assistant will utilize existing program resources and materials in this work, and will assist in delivering educational programs as defined. This position will be a good fit for you if you are interested in hunger relief, food waste or agriculture and want to actively build community organizing skills. All applicants will be considered. Position starts as soon as possible and finishes at the end of December.