Monday, June 11, 2018

Maryland Farmers Market Association/Nutrition Education at Markets Internship

Maryland Farmers Market Association

The Maryland Farmers Market Association (MDFMA) is a statewide nonprofit that works to cultivate a vibrant, sustainable farmers market community as a vital part of Maryland's local food network. We work with farmers, consumers, and communities to make wholesome, locally-grown foods available to all residents, to educate consumers about food resources, and to support farm viability. MDFMA is currently seeking to fill its seasonal Nutrition Education at Markets Internship (NEAT). The Nutrition Education at Markets Intern (NEAT) will oversee MDFMA’s summer 2018 nutrition education program, “Get FEd!”, to provide resources to markets and promote consumption of the featured fruits and vegetables as part of a marketing and promotional campaign.

This is a volunteer position, based in MDFMA’s office in Millersville MD, with regular travel required (approximately 1-2 days per week) and occasional overnight stays (mileage and hotel expenses will be reimbursed). The ideal candidate will be able to commit 10-35hrs/week for 12-14 weeks, with an occasional weekend day. This is all negotiable and tailored to the applicant. The NEAT reports directly to the Executive Director, and may also work under the guidance of the Maryland Market Money Program Coordinator.

In 2017, the Maryland Farmers Market Association (MDFMA) excitedly introduced “Get FEd!,” a food education program that uses online and at-market resources to educate farmers market customers on how to select, store, and prepare local, seasonal produce.

Program Goals:

Get FEd! serves two primary goals:

1. To bolster farmers’ sales at participating farmers markets

2. To enrich farmers market customers’ knowledge of how to utilize and engage with food available at the market

Responsibilities:

  • Confirm markets participation in the 2018 program
  • Inventory and organize all program materials
  • Determine and provide participating markets with weekly program schedule including promotional and informational materials to be utilized
  • Deliver materials timely to participating markets
  • Draft – in conjunction with MDFMA’s External Relations Coordinator – social media posts, newsletter information, and website blogs regarding the featured fruit or vegetable
  • Track usage of program at markets
  • Promote market events related to the program
  • Provide (as feasible) resources for cooking demonstrations at participating markets
  • Design and manage punch-card related giveaways in coordination with market managers
  • Capture photos and videos of GetFEd! market events
  • Complete an evaluation and write a summary of the program at the end of the internship
Training to be provided:
  • Background/resources pertaining to Maryland agriculture and farmers markets
  • Nutrition education basics, background and best practices
  • Seasonality information
Skills required:
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Willingness to interact with a range of individuals
  • Reliable transportation and valid drivers license
  • Proficiency with typical office technology and in particular familiarity with Excel
To apply:
Please submit cover letter, resume, and 3 references here: https://goo.gl/forms/YjtKoHqImTXYm3wj2