FoodCorps service is open to creativity, and service members rely on their own personal strengths all while building upon the strengths that already exist in the communities that they serve. From my Connecticut cohort to all two hundred plus service members spread across the nation, you can imagine how every single service experience is unique.
By Allison Aron, FoodCorps Service Member — May 23, 2018
FoodCorps spans 17 states and Washington, D.C., meaning experiences of service members can be totally different depending upon where they serve. Because of this, FoodCorps service is open to creativity, and service members rely on their own personal strengths all while building upon the strengths that already exist in the communities that they serve. From my Connecticut cohort to all two hundred plus service members spread across the nation, you can imagine how every single service experience is unique because of these key factors.
I serve in two schools in Hartford, CT: one school had a service member present a few years prior, and the other is a brand new FoodCorps school. At the beginning of the term, I had excellent advisors at both schools that were able to help me get started with service.
At the start of the school year, as someone who was new to the farm to school world in my service community, and, as an introvert, I was nervous about asking too many questions and about reeling in key stakeholders. I needed to put myself out there, provide energy, and build relationships with teachers and students. This was not as easy as I expected. As a brand new face in the school the first month, I may have been mistaken for a student once or twice, but once I showed interest in teachers and administrators, they in return showed interest in me. As the year has progressed, I have developed a special connection with the teachers I work with as well as the administrative staff. In fact, the more I reached out for connection and information such as, “What did you and your kids do this past weekend?” or “What are some of your favorite meals to cook at home?” the more confident I became in the school. I began to thrive off of this new social support and felt myself becoming a part of the school community.
This was a very important aspect of my service year to me because I learned that establishing and nurturing relationships is a vital component in creating change. Although this seemed daunting at first, I am grateful and lucky that my time serving with FoodCorps in Hartford has taught me the value of being present, participating, and connecting with others.
Recommended articles
January 24, 2023
What is the Farm Bill? Updates For 2023
December 01, 2022
Why FoodCorps is Paying Our Corps Members the Maximum Stipend Allowed by AmeriCorps
November 08, 2022
Recap: What’s Next for Schools? A Virtual Panel on the Impact of the White House Conference [Video]
Join us!
Together we will nourish futures for every
student. Share your email
address, and we'll make sure you have the tools to take action and join the movement for food education
and free, nourishing meals in school.
Thank you for joining us!!!
You’re one in a million!* Thank you for joining FoodCorps in our efforts to mobilize 1 million supporters for Nourishing Futures.
Your support will help us support children’s health and wellbeing today, allowing them to grow and
thrive tomorrow.
* You’re one in a million, but
we’re sure you know other like-minded folks. Share your commitment to FoodCorps’
Nourishing Futures initiative on your favorite social media platform.