The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) has created an opportunity to support its mission of advancing farmers markets to create a thriving marketplace for local food and farm products and its vision that all residents have access to healthy, locally grown food. This position will support MIFMA’s work to expand and support Michigan farmers markets accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Double Up Food Bucks and other food assistance programs.
This is a part-time hourly position based in MIFMA’s East Lansing office. The position will have a starting pay rate of $12 per hour for up to 20 hours per week.
Position Duties and Responsibilities:
Expand and support farmers markets that accept SNAP Bridge Cards
- Develop a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the usage of SNAP and other food assistance programs at farmers markets
- Provide technical assistance to farmers markets implementing food assistance programs by phone (one on one and conference call), email and face to face site visits and meetings
- Assist in facilitating MIFMA’s Market Manager Mentorship Program which supports market managers that are accepting SNAP benefits for the first time at their farmers market
- Implement food assistance acceptance at the 2015 Farmers Markets at the Capitol
- Develop content for and distribute outreach materials which promote Michigan farmers markets accepting SNAP
- Maintain and update the food access portions of the MIFMA website
- Carry out additional responsibilities as identified in consulting services agreements or other contracts
Desired Qualifications:
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively to meet goals
- Demonstrated ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders and interests
- Initiative to investigate potential solutions and share what you have learned
- Familiarity with food assistance benefits and how they can be used at Michigan farmers markets including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC, WIC Project FRESH, Market FRESH and Hoophouses for Health
- An interest in food access as well as experience related to farmers markets
Desired Skills:
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong written and verbal skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, web-based search and information systems, social media including Facebook and Twitter, phone/web conferencing systems including Adobe Connect, project management software including Basecamp, and web-based content management systems including WordPress
Application Process
Candidates should send a cover letter explaining their desire for this position and why their skill set makes them a successful candidate along with their resume and names of three references (indicate relationship) by May 17, 2015. Complete applications (cover letter, resume, and references) should be addressed to Emily Syrja, MIFMA Office Administrator , and e-mailed to office@mifma.org with “Food Access Coordinator Application” in the subject line. Incomplete applications or those not following this process will not be reviewed.