Healthy Harvest Corps Summer- Defiance

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks (OAF) represents Ohio's 12 Feeding America foodbanks and their 3,600 member hunger relief programs, serving food insecure Ohioans in all 88 counties. OAF will host 25 Ameri Corps members serving at 9 host sites throughout Ohio. Deploying Ameri Corps direct service members at local and regional hunger relief agencies will support a coordinated statewide effort to improve health by getting healthy food into the homes of food insecure Ohioans.

Summer positions will focus on promoting fresh produce among youth populations. This position is located at Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission. NOCAC’s mission is to plan, develop, and coordinate programs and services designed to help predominantly low-income people in Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Van Wert, and Williams counties to become more self-sufficient. To further this mission, NOCAC’s Summer Food Service Program is in place to assist children who are receiving free and/or reduced meals throughout the school year.

The goal of the program is to serve nutritious meals that meet the USDA guidelines while introducing fun and educational activities. Along with these goals, the program introduces healthy food options that parents are able to implement in their home. Community involvement is vital for the success of this program. Specifically, NOCAC summer food staff work with high schools, local businesses, United Ways, churches and other area groups to fund, volunteer and support the program.

• Ameri Corps Members will support healthy food access and nutrition education initiatives serving the southern Ohio community.
• Lead interactive, youth-friendly culinary demonstrations featuring fresh, seasonal produce available through our garden and local food system partners.
• Research and develop weekly nutrition themes aligned with seasonal produce availability.
• Create and test simple, culturally relevant recipes that families can prepare at home.
• Facilitate engaging healthy-eating demonstrations for youth and families.
• Administer daily meals through our Summer Food Service Program.
• Conduct enrichment activities post meal service (games, crafts, educational activities).
• Engage with youth and community members, supporting equitable access to healthy foods.
• Serve as a fun and rewarding summer contributor to NW Ohio youth.

• Stipend
• Training
• Education award upon successful completion of service.

• Permits attendance at school during off hours.
• Permits working at another job during off hours.
• Car recommended.

• Health
• Hunger
• Children/Youth
• Education

• General Skills
• Youth Development
• Education

• Program Type:
  Ameri Corps State / National
• Program:
  Healthy Harvest Corps Summer - Defiance
• Program Start/End Date: 06/01/2026 - 07/31/2026
• Work Schedule:
  
  Summer
• Age Requirement:
  Minimum:
  None Maximum:
  None
• Program Locations: OHIO
• Accepting Applications:
  From 02/25/2026 To 05/05/2026

Maureen Allen
1933 E 2nd St
Defiance, OH 43512

mallen