Job Description
The Community Food Systems Fellowship, hosted by Vital Village Networks, is an 18-month leadership program designed to empower diverse local food system leaders across the United States and its territories. The fellowship aims to enhance participants’ skills, capacity, and networks through community design labs, monthly learning sessions, and individualized technical assistance. The program seeks to strengthen community engagement, uplift strengths-based narratives, and foster collaborative leadership that scales community-identified solutions and cross-sector partnerships by focusing on participatory engagement and human-centered design approaches.Â
Fellows engage in a comprehensive program that includes:
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Community Design Labs: Interactive sessions focusing on participatory engagement and human-centered design to address local food system challenges.
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Monthly Learning Sessions: Regular meetings with other food systems leaders to share knowledge, experiences, and strategies.
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Individualized Technical Assistance: Tailored support to help fellows implement and scale their community-driven food system initiatives.
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Innovation Pilot Projects: After the first 12 months, fellows can apply for up to $2,500 in funding to support innovative projects that align with the fellowship’s goals.
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Application Cycle: Annually
What You’ll Need:
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Be based in the United States or one of its territories.
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Have an established partnership with a nonprofit organization, coalition, network, group, cooperative, business, or institution focused on local food systems.
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Demonstrate a commitment to developing resilient and equitable local food systems.
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Provide at least one letter of recommendation (up to three may be submitted).
Preferred or Required Qualifications:
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Experience in community leadership, engagement, and working with caregivers and families.
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A focus on food justice, nutrition justice, racial equity, and social transformation
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Skills in measuring the impact and success of local food systems initiatives.
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Ability to develop collaborative leadership skills and work across sectors.
Benefits and Perks:
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A $2,500 stipend to honor participation in fellowship meetings and activities, including presentations at Vital Village’s annual National Community Leadership Summit.
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Eligibility to apply for an additional $2,500 in innovation pilot project funds after the first 12 months of the program.
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Access to a network of peers and experts in the field of community food systems.
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Opportunities for professional development and capacity building.
Where and How You Can Apply:
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Applications are submitted through the Vital Village Networks website.
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For more information and to apply, visit the official website
