| Essential Job Duties |
This internship is a component of the Visioning Our Food Future program.
Community members in Bladen, Columbus, and Robeson counties are teaming up with a research and facilitation team from NC State University to create a food system assessment and plan for the region. Through this process community members will identify assets and challenges and prioritize actions that will guide future food system development. Taking the time to go through this process that prioritizes equitable outcomes in food system development.
Over eighteen months, community members across the three counties will provide insight, information, and goals for the local food system. The research and facilitation team will attend and host various events and opportunities to engage with the community to gather and report data and information. This team will create documents, maps, and other supporting resources that will be compiled into an assessment and plan for community members to approve.
This process is community-driven; meaning the community identifies the questions, data, and strategies. The research and facilitation team from NC State University will help guide the process and leverage our resources and knowledge to support the community. Our goal is that this process will support deep community relationships and collaboration and prioritize actions for future food system development that can sustain a thriving local food economy, with equitable access to healthy food for all.
For Spring 2025, we are looking for a student intern, interested in food policy, local food supply chains and food systems, to work at the partnering local food intermediaries to support and develop a regional food council, and create a local food network.
Food Council Development and Support:
- Assist in the creation and organization of a community-driven Food Council.
- Support planning, outreach, and coordination of council meetings, events, and activities.
- Collaborate with community members, local organizations, and stakeholders to identify food system challenges and opportunities.
Community Relationship Building:
- Engage with diverse community groups to gather input and ensure inclusive participation in the Food Council.
- Foster strong relationships between the Food Council, local institutions, and community organizations.
- Attend community meetings and events to promote the Food Council's mission and goals.
Implementation Team Support:
- Provide planning support for council meetings, including scheduling, note-taking, and follow-up tasks.
- Assist project lead to facilitate the implementation teams in executing projects related to local food systems, sustainability, and policy development.
- Help manage communications, including drafting emails, newsletters, and social media content.
Bridging Government and Community Gaps:
- Act as a liaison between local government agencies, institutions, and the community to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
- Support the development of initiatives that align with both government priorities and community needs.
Research and Reporting:
- Conduct background research on local food systems, policies, and best practices for Food Councils.
Working Business Hours:
20-30 hours per week from January 6, 2025 through May 30, 2025 Monday through Friday and weekend work when needed
Internship Duration and Work Environment
- All interns have an anticipated start date of January 6, 2025
- All Internships will last approximately 20 weeks (not including holiday weeks) for 20-30 hrs a week. Intern will report to the host supervisor virtually.
One internship opportunity in Bladen, Columbus and Robeson County
What specific skills and qualifications are required for this position?
- Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree program at any North Carolina university, college, or community college across the state. Or a recent graduate from an undergraduate or graduate program with a graduate date in 2023 or 2024.
- Enthusiasm for local foods and a respect for farmers and producers from diverse rural communities
- Must attend Bi-weekly virtual meetings with FIRE Intern program
- Must have access to a personal computer to conduct work on
- Must hold a drivers license and have access to transportation to the host site and various locations within the region.
Preferred Experience:
- Website design and development using user-friendly website builders with mobile compatible sites with no coding required
- Social media platforms
- Internet-based graphic design platform
- Good marketing and communication skills
- Familiarity or willingness to learn about online sales platforms
- Preferred experience/study in agriculture, food systems, ag business or economics
- Preference given to students who live or attend school in communities in close proximity to the host organization of their choice
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North Carolina State University
$18/hr
Nov 20, 2024