Overview
Organization Description
Waste Less Solutions is a Utah non-profit organization dedicated to the education, prevention and diversion of food waste in Utah. Our main focus is on education via speaking events, cooking classes, media, speaking engagements and diversion by means of our food rescue program. Through a smartphone app, our volunteers rescue edible food that would otherwise go to waste and transport it to receiving agencies to feed those who are food insecure. Food is rescued from caterers, cafeterias, restaurants, food distributors, farmers markets, farmers as well as backyard gardens.
Job Summary
This position will specifically be focused on our farmers and backyard gardens and growing our base of volunteer collection sites and building awareness of our program to home gardeners. The GardenShare Advocate will seek opportunities to interface with the community in Salt Lake and Utah County to get the word out about food waste and food insecurity issues and how home gardeners can be part of the solutions. The GardenShare Advocate position is offered through Utah Conservation Corps, and is a great opportunity to learn about the impact of food waste on our planet as well as how to implement a community solution to food waste and food insecurity. Join us to learn about how to advocate and engage the community while serving your community as an AmeriCorps service member.
Primary Duties
Perform Community Volunteer Mobilization and Events related to Environmental Stewardship, and environmental education
Develop a data tracking plan and collect and report AmeriCorps impact data timely and accurately
Seek opportunities to engage with the community to enlist volunteers to become collection sites; deliver coolers to these individuals
Seek opportunities to engage with home gardeners so they are aware of our program
Build relationships with local farmers for gleaning opportunities, set up such events, mobilize volunteers and run events
Manage distribution and record keeping of our GardenShare program across Salt Lake, Utah and Weber counties
Coordinate backyard GardenShare pickups through growing season
Contract Period
Jun 1 – Sep 30 (300 hours)
Compensation:
This is a 300-hour individual placement position through the Utah State University, Utah Conservation Corps (USU-UCC), AmeriCorps Program. USU-UCC will provide the AmeriCorps member with a living allowance of $2,824 in total, which will be paid in even disbursements throughout the service term. In addition, members are eligible for an education award of $1,342 after the successful service term. Federal student loan deferment during service, and optional USU university credit hours. Additional benefits of this position include professional development opportunities, holidays off, and fresh produce.
Required Skills:
Personable
Interested in doing the work to make a difference in our community and on our planet
Have your own vehicle
Be able to pick up coolers and produce up to 35lbs
About Waste Less Solutions
We are a local nonprofit dedicated to the education, prevention and diversion of food waste in Utah. As part of this we operate a food rescue program as well as a garden share program to rescue edible surplus food from ending up in the landfills and getting it to people in need.
