Re: FoodCorps - expanding programming for '23-'24 school year

Hi,  name is Mattie Jordan-Woods I am the Executive Director for Northside Association for Community Development.  I would like to speak with you concerning a possible partnership.  My phone number is 269 352-8200. 





On Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 08:03:26 AM EST, Seema Jolly <seema.jolly@foodcorps.org> wrote:





Hello Farm to School colleagues,
 
I wanted to share some information about FoodCorps as we are looking to expand our partnerships for the upcoming school year ('23-'24 and beyond). FoodCorps is a national non-profit that partners with schools and communities to nourish kids' health, education, and sense of belonging. We envision a future in which every child in every school experiences the joy and power of food.
 
In Michigan, we currently have programs in the greater Petoskey area, Alcona County, Flint, Detroit/Detroit Metro areas but we are seeking new partnerships in the Lower Peninsula.
 
Our direct service program trains and places Public Health AmeriCorps Service Members to serve full time (Aug '23-July'24 for the next school year) in a school district where they support PreK-12 school district's goals and initiatives around food education and nourishing school meals. We seek to partner with school districts for at least 3-5 years, so that our Service Members can help build capacity for the goals of the district. Where a school district is on their "Farm to School" journey isn't as important as having a vested interest in long-term change where our Service Members can help build/add capacity.
 
 Our direct service program focuses on:

    * Hands-On Food Education: hands-on lessons in classrooms, gardens, and cafeterias about growing, cooking, and tasting a variety of nourishing foods. Lessons meet common core curriculum  standards along with focusing on students' social emotional growth. Lessons primarily take place in elementary or K-8 schools.
    * Nourishing School Meals: Increasing access to nourishing school meals by working alongside school nutrition teams to get nutritious, locally sourced, scratch-cooked items on the lunch tray and meals that are responsive to students' preferences.
    * Advancing Equity through Food: Aligning with community visions for food justice and prioritizing the experiences of BIPOC communities and local leaders.
 
As part of our commitment to supporting those most impacted by food injustice, we only serve districts where the majority (>50%) of students are eligible for free or reduced price meals.
 
I've attached a few documents about our programming. Our current partnership model includes multi-year programmatic partnerships, district wide goal-setting and data tracking, and our signature direct service program. If you are interested in learning more about FoodCorps, in becoming a host site for Service Members, or have suggestions about potential districts/communities where we could serve, please reach out.
 
I also wanted to share the 100+ resources available to schools via our website, including curriculum-connected lessons for grades K-5, a guide to offering schoolwide taste tests, a recipe book designed for schools, and measurement tools like our Healthy School Progress Report. Check them out here! 
 
Thank you!
 
Best,
Seema

--
Seema Jolly | she/her/hers
FoodCorps | Impact & Partnerships Lead, Michigan

(269) 352-6224 (cell)
foodcorps.org | @foodcorps

MIFARMTOSCHOOL is a listserv that links farm-to-school stakeholders and practitioners in Michigan, from school food service directors and school administrators to growers and distributors. Content posted to MIFARMTOSCHOOL does not necessarily reflect the views of Michigan State University or the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.

MIFARMTOSCHOOL is a listserv that links farm-to-school stakeholders and practitioners in Michigan, from school food service directors and school administrators to growers and distributors. Content posted to MIFARMTOSCHOOL does not necessarily reflect the views of Michigan State University or the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.