The Food Literacy Project – Program Associate

THE ORGANIZATION: The Food Literacy Project’s mission is youth transforming their communities through food, farming and the land. Working toward a vision for a healthy and equitable community where people and places thrive since 2006, FLP engages youth, their families, schools and neighbors in hands-on learning and leadership development experiences with farming and fresh foods at outdoor classrooms. The Food Literacy Project’s values include:   

  

ENERGY: We are bold and inspired by our community.   

ROOTS: We are grounded and purposeful, connected with people and dedicated to sustainably   

addressing community needs.   

DISCOVERY: We embrace the joy of learning by doing.   

CULTIVATION: We bring great care to our work and relationships; we nourish growth in our community, and in turn are nourished ourselves.   

ABUNDANCE: We leverage our community’s diverse assets to achieve personal and social change.  

JUSTICE: We pursue fairness and equity.   

To learn more about our commitment to equity, click here: https://foodliteracyproject.org/about/mission-vision/   

The Opportunity 

The Food Literacy Project is seeking a collaborative and adaptable program associate who is passionate about youth development and food justice to provide generalized support to the implementation of programs at the FLP farm and various partner locations. The Program Associate works under the direction of the School and Community Programs Manager and in close collaboration with other staff to engage young people, volunteers, neighbors, and partners in strengthening their local food system and supporting the youth development work of the Food Literacy Project.  

Job Responsibilities 

  • Assist in the implementation of workshops, educational activities, and opportunities for participants of the Youth Community Agriculture Program, Field-to-Fork experiences, and during community engagement events; provide direct service programs for youth and adults; lead volunteer crews in on-site projects.  
  • Represent the Food Literacy Project in the community; engage community members through canvassing and at various on and off-site events.  
  • Support site maintenance of growing and office spaces including mowing grass, and organizing, stocking and transporting supplies.  
  • Participate in preparing fields, planting, cultivating, weeding, harvesting, and distributing produce.  
  • Work collaboratively with staff team in the development, distribution and implementation of curriculum. 
  • Transport youth-grown produce to farmers market, donation sites and/or cold storage at various sites; shop for ingredients for cooking activities.  
  • Participate in staff meetings, program planning meetings and other relevant collaboration spaces.   
  • Work collaboratively and promote teamwork with staff, volunteers, and stakeholders. 
  • Investigate and share knowledge with community members about food justice issues that affect the Louisville community.  
  • Demonstrate responsibility, dependability, and punctuality.  
  • Adhere to the Food Literacy Project’s Health and Safety Guidelines and Behavioral Standards. 
  • Complete other job duties as assigned, including administrative tasks associated with managing a small nonprofit.  

Job Qualifications 

  • Ability to perform rigorous and demanding outdoor physical farm labor including: digging, bending, lifting (less than 50 lbs.), squatting and kneeling 
  • Prepared to work outside in all Kentucky seasonal weather conditions 
  • Possesses excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and active listening skills.  Brings a high level of respect to communication with staff, program participants, partners and stakeholders 
  • Thrives in a collaborative environment and establishes and maintains positive, effective working relationships with others 
  • Embraces a high level of responsibility and seeks and accepts direction as appropriate 
  • Interest in food justice, food systems, agroecology, farming and gardening, food access, cooking, sustainability, the environment & community engagement 
  • Openness to personal growth & desire to build job and leadership skills 
  • Ability to work and communicate in a team as well as independently, and to give and receive feedback 
  • Shares a commitment to the Food Literacy Project’s mission and vision; embodies our core values: energy, roots, discovery, cultivation, abundance and justice 
  • Possess a valid driver’s license, access to vehicle, and auto insurance 
  • Trained in First-Aid and CPR or willing to receive training 
  • Must pass criminal background check 

Preferred but not required  

  • Fluency in more than one language and/or cross-cultural life experiences 
  • Previous experience growing vegetables, living or working in and/or with south, southwest, and west Louisville communities, and/or working with young people 

Compensation, Benefits and Terms 

The Food Literacy Project will offer an hourly rate of $18.90 plus access to benefits including IRA match, health insurance, and generous PTO. The Program Associate will work 40 hours a week, with regular evenings and weekends required. This is a regular (year-round) position with a Hybrid Work Model (majority in-person, some virtual).  

Equal Opportunity Employer 

 The Food Literacy Project emphasizes diversity in both our programs and staff, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or status as a veteran in accordance with applicable federal laws. 

FLP values an equitable and inclusive workplace. Research shows that often women and people from underrepresented groups only apply to jobs for which they meet 100% of the qualifications. FLP is interested in attracting a diverse pool of candidates who bring unique experiences to youth development and community-based work. You need not check every box. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.   

To Apply.   

Applications will be accepted through Sunday August 24th, 2025 and can be emailed to Arabella Paulovich (she/her), School and Community Programs Manager, at arabella@foodliteracyproject.org. Please include a cover letter addressing why you are interested in this position and what unique contributions you would bring to the role, your resume, and five references (3 professional and 2 personal).