Nonprofit food security internships for youth

lowernine.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the long term recovery of the Lower 9th Ward in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the levee breaches of 2005.

To date, the organization has fully rebuilt ninety-five homes, and has completed smaller repair and renovation projects on over three hundred more properties, bringing back more Lower 9th Ward families than any other single organization. During the 2020 pandemic, lowernine.org observed increased need for food resources in the community, and partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank operating a biweekly food distribution in the parking lot of an abandoned dollar store. We now operate a “brick and mortar” food pantry at our permanent location on Jourdan Avenue - a “choice” model pantry at which neighbors are free to select which food items their families need. We currently serve between 150 and 200 families per week.

Job Description:

Positions (5) are sponsored by a grant from PEARL Milling Co. (please see their community impact pledge pillars below) supporting organizations that serve Black women and girls. Preferred candidates will be interested in working fighting food insecurity and learning food handling and preparation skills, along with basic nonprofit administration.

Primary Duties:

Candidates will work one eight hour day three Saturdays per month, with one additional eight hour shift per month (tbd) for program length of six months. Work will include basic food pantry operations stocking shelves, recording data, and assisting clients. Safe food handling practices will also be reviewed, including management of shelf stable items, and fresh and frozen foods and produce. There will also be work with other nonprofit partners and local businesses preparing and packaging food items, and learning about the operations of other food security and food service industry efforts. During this time, candidates will work closely with a community member that has catering and restaurant management experience.

Qualifications:

Female or Female-identifying (Non Binary, Queer candidates welcome)

Lower 9th Ward residents (preferred) transportation to Lower 9th Ward (required)

Ages 15 to 21 (required)

Interest in non profit work or the restaurant/catering industry (preferred)

Requirements:

Candidates must be dedicated to the full program length of six months. Absences of more than 3 days in a 2 month period will result in release from the program.

Salary:

$20hr for 8 hrs a week for 6 months (total $3,840 less appropriate taxes)

P.E.A.R.L. Pledge Pillars

Prosperity:

Alleviating systemic barriers and inequities in areas such as food, housing, employment, financial support, and generational wealth.

Empowerment:

Inspiring and encouraging Black women and girls to attain holistic wellness and success in areas such as confidence building, self-esteem, and mental and physical health.

Access:

Enhancing equal opportunity to education and entrepreneurship in areas such as scholarships, grants, capital, and financial literacy.

Representation:

Elevating Black women and girls in the areas such as culinary arts, food innovation, science, and media support.

Leadership:

Advancing skill development and access to resources for emerging talent in areas such as public speaking, strategic thinking, teambuilding, and mentorship.

email info@lowernine.org for more information and application.