6 Careers in Food That Make a Difference
A Measurable Difference
FoodCorps programming directly improves the lives of students across the country and works to affect systems change at every level, from local schools to federal policy.
Our Impact
FoodCorps’ work is making a difference in kids’ relationship with food. Learn more about our corps, who we reach, and the impact we make every day.
Who we serve
2023-2024 school year
%
of FoodCorps students, on average, are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, relative to 53% nationwide
220
schools served
528,943
students reached through direct service
FoodCorps AmeriCorps member Dainese Pridgeon adds a scoop of veggies to a student’s plate. (Cedar Rapids, IA)
Reaching Students, Feeding Communities
Strong relationships are a cornerstone of FoodCorps service. Five years of FoodCorps support in Iowa helped service member Dainese Pridgeon step into her role in 2018. So when schools closed in March 2020, she had the trust that was needed to immediately begin helping cafeteria staff cook and bag meals for Cedar Rapids families five days a week. Dainese credits those who came before her: “It makes me so grateful to the first FoodCorps members, who let me do what I was doing.”
Our corps members
2023-2024 school year
%
162 FoodCorps AmeriCorps members
%
of corps members are serving in their local communities
78%
of service member alumni continue to make an impact through careers in policy, education, and public health
Impact on schools, students, and the school food system
Of the 220 schools we serve in 2023-2024:
19,776
lessons taught
&
14,075
food tastings led by corps members
%
received taste tests of new foods
%
received support for a school garden
Collaborating for Policy Change
When FoodCorps arrived in Connecticut in 2012, conversations with other organizations sparked an interest in getting farm to school — or healthy, local foods served directly to students — off the ground. A few years later, through partnerships with state agencies, anti-hunger groups, and food systems organizations, the Connecticut Farm to School Collaborative was born. Members met with legislative champions and shared stories about the impact of farm to school, eventually testifying before the Education Committee. In 2021, their work paid off. The CT Grown for CT Kids program launched with $500,000 of federal funding, helping to ensure Connecticut kids eat more fresh, local foods.
Stories of impact
6 Careers in Food That Make a Difference
From farming to food policy, there’s a food job for everyone.
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17 Children’s Books We Love All About Food
For the future farmer, chef, or foodie in your life.
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A Day in the Life: Noah Doederlein, School Nutrition Member
A school nutrition member preps for a locally sourced taste test.
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FoodCorps Launches School Food Policy Action Map, New Online Advocacy Resource
Explore local opportunities with our new policy action map.
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Policy Advocacy in Action: Reflecting on the Alumni Leads Program
Two Alumni Advocacy Leads recap their year of food policy advocacy.
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AAMA Conference: Celebrating Black Leaders in Food
FoodCorps partnered with Black mayors around the country for justice and joy.
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