Summer Associate-Otterbein University-Community Garden

Location: Westerville

Summer Associate-Otterbein University-Community Garden

The VISTA project will be housed within the Otterbein University Center for Community Engagement (CCE) where we educate students to participate responsibly in a global society through leadership and community service. The CCE manages a one acre community garden and The Promise House, an on campus food pantry and resource center for low income students. The Otterbein Community Garden has three main goals:
1) alleviation of hunger,
2) education, and
3) community building. We grow over 2200 pounds of fresh produce annually to donate to local food pantries and host numerous community groups who manage food crops, a pollinator garden, rain gardens, and youth activities. The Promise House is an inclusive gathering space for low-income college students where we build a supportive, inclusive community and work together to alleviate campus hunger.

The Promise House is home to a free grocery market (food pantry) for college students and a mobile pop-up pantry on a bike. We partner with three local food distribution centers and The Westerville Saturday Farmers Market to help eradicate food insecurity in northern Franklin County. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.

Member Duties :
As our Summer Associate, you will increase food security of local youth and adults in northern Franklin County. Developing a curriculum with hands-on experiential learning in our community gardens, you will teach others how to grow their own food and promote nutrition. Your service will also emphasize rallying the community to greater involvement in our garden and pantry. Hosting outreach events and training opportunities in these locations, you will increase gardening knowledge and expand community access to these essential resources.

Finally, you will play a critical role in cultivating 20 garden plots, growing and disseminating nutrient-rich produce in our community. Implementing local food rescue strategies, you will gather food from local farmers markets, grocery stores, and donors to ensure our community gains access to healthy food. Join our team for an enriching summer!

Program Benefits :
Living Allowance , Training , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend .

Terms :

Permits working at another job during off hours , Permits attendance at school during off hours .

Service Areas :

Hunger , Community Outreach , Education , Health , Community and Economic Development , Children/Youth .

Skills :

Leadership , Computers/Technology , Public Speaking , General Skills , Youth Development , Recruitment , Communications .