Cooking Matters Community Engagement AmeriCorps VISTA 

One in nine New Hampshire residents are food insecure, meaning they do not know where their next meal will come from. In New Hampshire, approximately 12% of children are living in food insecure environments (New Hampshire Food Bank). During the COVID-19 Pandemic we expect these rates to increase. In February of 2020 the unemployment rate in NH was 2.6%, in May of 2020 the unemployment rate in NH was 14.5% (U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics) and the New Hampshire Food Bank is distributing significantly more food than ever before to over 400 partner agencies across the state.
 

The first three years of life are instrumental for development in children, and proper nutrition and access to food plays a major role. Children facing hunger from ages 0-3 are more likely to be hospitalized and have higher rates of anemia and asthma, repeat a grade in elementary school, experience developmental impairments in language and motor skills, and have more social and behavioral problems (Feeding America). Cooking Matters (a national campaign of Share Our Strength and locally hosted by the New Hampshire Food Bank) is helping end childhood hunger by inspiring families in need to make healthy, affordable food choices. Our educational programs focus on teaching parents and caregivers with limited food budgets to shop for and cook healthy meals. While parents and caregivers are a large focus of our efforts, we aim to serve all NH residents who are at risk of hunger and in need of cooking and nutrition education to lead healthier lives.
 

Knowing how to shop more efficiently by using nutrition facts labels and unit prices, feeling confident to modify recipes to appeal to picky eaters or substitute for a missing ingredient, and having a meal plan for the week are some of the critical food skills that can ease the burden for many low-income families. Parents with these skills can utilize resources more effectively and lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating for their children.
 

Member Duties : This VISTA project will increase the ability of Cooking Matters NH to offer education opportunities and resources to food insecure families in NH. It will also help mitigate the impact of the growing use of emergency assistance programs like SNAP/EBT and food pantries. The VISTA will conduct a community needs assessment in two low income communities to better understand how we can reach and engage our target audience. The VISTA will use this information to update and adapt program curriculum for relevancy to the population, unite community stakeholders to support food access and community engagement, and will take into consideration new needs that are emerging during the COVID -19 Pandemic. In line with community engagement, the VISTA member will also help develop a communication strategy, build new Cooking Matters partnerships, recruit and manage volunteers, and conduct community outreach to host more Cooking Matters classes with partners and increase program participation.
 

Program Benefits : Training , Health Coverage* , Relocation Allowance , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Childcare assistance if eligible , Stipend
 

Terms : Permits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended , Permits attendance at school during off hours
 

Service Areas : Community Outreach , Community and Economic Development , Hunger .
 

Skills : Communications, Public Speaking , Team Work , Community Organization
 

Please Note: AmeriCorps VISTA members build capacity in nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help them more effectively generate the commitment of private sector resources, encourage volunteer service at the local level, and empower individuals and communities. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve full time for one-year terms.
 

All applications must be submitted on the My AmeriCorps website - https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=98290