The Environmental Center is on a mission to embed sustainability into daily lives in Central Oregon. We do that through a variety of programs that work with youth, residents and businesses to think global and act local, recognizing that big changes come from small everyday actions. We work with youth through our classroom presentations in schools, on outdoor schools days, community field trips and here in our Learning Garden. We also run programs to assist residents on reducing energy consumption and waste, assist our city with policy that guides our community towards sustainability and livability, and celebrate and showcase our connection and stewardship of the natural world through many community events. Partnering with FoodCorps has elevated the quality of our own work, broadens the scope of work we do around food, and expanded the ability of reach we have with direct service in schools.

During the course of the year, a FoodCorps Service Member will serve at MA Lynch Elementary School in Redmond, Oregon. This will be a new site for FoodCorps, and there will be a focused collaboration with the OSU Extension SNAP Educator that has worked on site for many years. The FoodCorps Service Member will deliver lessons in classrooms and in the school garden, help support and provide organization for the small school garden, and provide cafeteria and/or classroom based fresh food tastings. The roles between the FoodCorps Service Member and OSU Extension educator will be clearly outlined with a collaborative and complementary role. FoodCorps Service Members additionally may support garden/wellness committee projects, and Nutrition Service office projects, throughout their service term.

Being a FoodCorps Service Member in Oregon is being part of a joyful and close-knit cohort of 8, serving in 4 diverse communities across the state. We connect both virtually and in-person throughout the year, with regular opportunities for professional development, connection, and community. Our state team includes a FoodCorps Oregon alum, and an educational leader and former classroom teacher. We’re here to ensure you get the support you need as you create joyful experiences with food for kids at school! Oregon is full of incredible food systems organizations and food justice projects, and you’ll be encouraged to explore your post-FoodCorps career with one of our many community partners, as one of 1000+ members of the Oregon Farm to School and School Garden Network.