Volunteer In Service to America (VISTA) – AmeriCorps Summer Associate
Connecticut Foodshare IncDescription
Are you ready to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity? We are thrilled to announce a VISTA opportunity serving Connecticut Foodshare for an 8-week role beginning on June 15th and running through August 7th serving for 40 hours per week. This role follows direct service affording members a “front row seat” to the impactful operations of Connecticut Foodshare. Members will be assigned to a department team to support operations and bolster efficiencies.
Connecticut Foodshare is the food bank serving all our neighbors across the state. Working with a strong network of community-based hunger relief programs, Connecticut Foodshare addresses the social issue of hunger by providing nutritious food as well as long-term, sustainable solutions to food insecurity. By serving Connecticut Foodshare, you will be part of a team that helps drive community awareness, garners support, leverages research, and engages volunteers, to realize our vision of a thriving community free of hunger.
What is a VISTA?
Founded in 1964, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is an anti-poverty program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA provides opportunities for Americans 18 years or older from a diverse range of backgrounds to dedicate a year of full-time service with an organization to create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty.
*Note this is an 8-week summer 2026 volunteer assignment. VISTAs are provided with a living allowance and other benefits detailed below.*
Position Summary:
The VISTA will support food bank operations through service on specified department teams. Activities may include food sortation and volunteer engagement, agency partner operational support, bolstering efficiencies at mobile pantries through the lead volunteer program, freight farm/hydroponic operations , support of food bank operations through facilities & food/facilities safety and involvement in activities that support neighbor engagement and food security initiatives. This unique role follows the direct service model. Members will engage in the direct service module and will have the opportunity to experience life at a food bank and a Top Nonprofit organization from a front row seat. The VISTA will document all lessons learned and recommendations for future program improvements. The summer associates will also have an opportunity to gather as a cohort for some professional development and networking.
The position is based out of our Wallingford or Bridgeport offices with some statewide travel - mileage reimbursed. Must have own transportation.
Responsibilities:
Increase food access for neighbors through, but not limited to:
- Food sortation and volunteer engagement
- Agency partner operational support
- Bolster efficiencies at mobile pantries through the lead volunteer program
- Freight farm/hydro operations
- Support food bank operations through facilities & food/facilities safety
- Activities that support neighbor engagement and food security initiatives
Benefits:
- A biweekly living allowance ( living allowance rate listed by state & county)
- A choice of either a Summer Education Award ($1565.08) to pay off student loans and pay for tuition) or summer pro-rated cash stipend ($276.64) at the end of the service year
- 8 weeks of professional experience with a cutting-edge Top Workplace winning nonprofit
- Opportunity to serve with summer associate cohort
- Develop skills and explore career interests
- Build professional network
- Make a positive impact on the lives of Connecticut’s food insecure neighbors
- 3 service days of leave plus Juneteenth and July 4th holiday leave
Requirements
Minimum Education/Experience:
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation
Preferred Education/Experience
- Associate’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field OR 1-3 years of experience in a similar or related role
- Experience in teaching or training environment or with public speaking
- Bilingual English/Spanish language skills preferred
Connecticut Foodshare, as a state contractor, is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination in all its hiring and employment practices. Connecticut Foodshare maintains a drug-free workplace.