Child Nutrition Summer Internship

Description

About Operation Food Search:

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 25 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger. 

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow. 

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.

Our Goals are to:

1) Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network.

2) Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget.

3) Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities.

For more information about OFS, please visit our website at www.operationfoodsearch.org. 

Position Summary:

The Child Nutrition Summer Intern will help to facilitate our direct-serve summer meals program, operating at dozens of meal sites in partnership with community organizations. Their contributions will result in greater awareness of meal sites, higher attendance, more community involvement, and a better experience for those we serve. This internship is an 11 week commitment running from May 19th through August 1st of 2025.

Essential Functions: 

• Conduct community outreach to boost participation at meal sites, which will include producing and distributing flyers, and developing social media content.
• Coordinate promotional campaign for the “Post Summer School Push”, targeting children who will no longer receive meals at school once summer session ends.
• Develop and coordinate enrichment activities at meal sites to connect with participating children and increase nutrition education.  
• Develop and facilitate program evaluation, employing methods which may include online surveys, virtual interviews, or in-person surveys and interviews.
• Analyze program evaluation data and prepare report detailing findings.
• Organize and review records related to SFSP, ensuring accuracy.
• Conduct periodic audits to ensure reporting compliance and address discrepancies promptly. 
• Support in the training of staff and volunteers on SFSP guidelines and offer assistance to ensure proper adherence. 
• Recruit and train volunteers for meal production.

Requirements

 Education and/or Experience:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have reliable access to a vehicle

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A great attitude and willingness to work on all kinds of projects
• Interest in hunger issues
• Commitment to working with diverse communities
• Reliability, responsibility, and a good work ethic
• Good customer service and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently 
• Familiarity with social media

Special Requirements:

• Frequent local travel required. Must have a good driving record and reliable transportation (mileage is reimbursable). 
• Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events after-hours or weekends. 
• Willingness to assist with other OFS duties as required or as assigned. 

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief essay expressing motivation for applying and how this opportunity aligns with your career goals. Applications received without both cover letter and resume may not be considered.

Location: 1644 Lotsie Blvd., Overland, MO 63132

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.