Youth Community Agriculture Program – Food Access Specialist
The Youth Community Agriculture Program (YCAP) is an employment opportunity during which crew members, crew peer mentors, and two specialists learn about growing, harvesting, and sharing fresh vegetables with fellow community members; develop new culinary skills; learn more about local food system issues; and strengthen leadership skills while supporting implementation of Field-to-Fork clubs, food access initiatives, and communications and community outreach. The Food Access Specialist role is a continuation of the YCAP pathway, offering participants an opportunity to build on their experiences and take on expanded leadership and responsibility within the program. The Food Access Specialist will have additional responsibilities of increased farm and vegetable production support, driving the overall strategy for produce distribution, coordinating produce deliveries and working with the Youth Engagement Manager to facilitate productive and meaningful workdays.
Position: Youth Community Agriculture Program – Food Access Specialist
Terms: 20 hours/week; Seasonal, February 17th – December 1st, 2025.
Compensation: $16.50/hour
Supervised By: Youth Engagement Manager
Hybrid workstyle: Majority of work will take place in-person at the FLP farm or at Field-to-Fork and food distribution partner sites, some virtual work from home also required.
To get to the farm: 522 Paradise Lane, 40258 can be used in your GPS. Then, go to the end of the road and enter the farm through the gate. Parking is available on-site. The closest TARC stop to the farm is Morning Glory @ Devonshire (line 63).
Responsibilities – Throughout February 17th-December 1st 2025
•Work 12-30 hours per week at the FLP farm, schedule will change depending on seasonal and program needs
•Spring and Fall – Monday and Thursday 2-7PM, Wednesday 3:30-7PM;
•Summer -Tuesday-Friday 8:30AM-4:30PM
•Monthly weekend Community Days
•Support implementation of Field-to-Fork Clubs at partner sites (spring and fall) or on the farm (summer)
•Plant, cultivate and harvest vegetables using organic and sustainable methods at The Food Literacy Project Farm
•Work in close partnership with FLP staff to coordinate distribution of fresh produce and veggie farm shares to community members by researching and engaging with donation partners, making donation schedules, staffing farmers markets, and developing new distribution strategies.
•Create and prepare resources for distribution to community members including recipe cards, produce storage tips, and vegetable garden care cards.
•Lead farm tours, cooking demonstrations, and field trips, participate in discussion panels and presentations.
•Research and share knowledge about food justice issues
•Represent the Food Literacy Project and the YCAP Crew in the community; engage community members through canvassing and at various on and off-site events including farmers markets.
•Enthusiastically participate in workshops to deepen understanding of social justice, food justice, and the culinary arts in Louisville
•Participate in site maintenance, including mowing, and in the preparation and implementation of farming and YPAR (Youth Participatory Action Research) activities
•Mentor YCAP crew members and support their training and development
•Facilitate and participate in Real Talk feedback sessions and debriefs after programs
•Participate in relevant staff and program team meetings
•Demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, dependability and punctuality
•Submit a weekly timesheet to your supervisor
•Adhere to the Food Literacy Project’s Health and Safety Guidelines and Behavioral Standards
•Maintain a strong work ethic throughout the entire program season.
Qualifications:
•17 – 24 years of age and resident of Jefferson County, Louisville, KY.
•Previous experience working as a YCAP crew member or in a related position strongly preferred.
•Ability to perform rigorous and demanding outdoor physical farm labor including: digging, bending, lifting (less than 50 lbs.), squatting and kneeling in Kentucky spring and summer conditions.
•Prepared to work outside in all types of weather.
•Interest in food systems, building the local food economy, food access, cooking, sustainable agriculture, the environment & social justice.
•Openness to personal growth & desire to build job and leadership skills.
•Ability to work and communicate in a team as well as independently.
•Ability to pass a background check
To Apply:
Email your resume, a cover letter describing your interest in the Food Literacy Project’s mission and any unique qualifications not reflected in your resume, and 2 professional references to Gabriella Hohman, Youth Engagement Manager, at gabriella@foodliteracyproject.org by February 10th.
Questions: Contact Gabriella Hohman, Youth Engagement Manager – gabriella@foodliteracyproject.org