Northern Illinois Food Bank seeks AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers

Northern Illinois Food Bank is seeking 11 dedicated AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers to serve one-year commitments throughout its 13-county service area.

The positions are administered through AmeriCorps VISTA and include a small stipend. Northern Illinois Food Bank's partnership with AmeriCorps VISTA is a great opportunity for college graduates interested in working in the nonprofit field to gain experience with an established and successful hunger relief organization.

Each position falls into one of six project areas:

• Capacity Building - Work with the food bank's network of food pantries and feeding programs to grow their ability to provide food to neighbors in need.

• Communications - Help the food bank's network of food pantries and feeding programs increase awareness of hunger in their communities and identify and develop marketing tool kits these agencies can use to fundraise.

• Community Engagement - Build awareness of the food bank and engage corporate and community donors and volunteers.

• Community Garden Coordinator - Work with community organizations to implement community gardens throughout the food bank's network, with the goal of providing fresh produce to local food pantries.

• Senior Hunger Program Ambassador - Conduct focus groups to determine whether the food bank is meeting the needs of senior residents.

• Volunteer Engagement - Help with the coordination and involvement of the food bank's volunteer workforce.

The positions will be based out of the food bank's three centers located in Geneva, Park City and Rockford.

More information and applications for VISTA projects are available through Corporation for National and Community Service state offices at www.vistacampus.gov/how-apply-americorps-vista.

For more information about AmeriCorps VISTA opportunities at Northern Illinois Food Bank, contact Gloria Sanders at (630) 443-6910, ext. 147 or gsanders@northernilfoodbank.org.