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University of Missouri Extension – Kansas City Public Schools

Kansas City sits on Missouri’s western edge, and straddles the border with Kansas. FoodCorps service members will be working in the Kansas City Public Schools to continue growth on the district wellness plan that has a strong emphasis in improving the health of students. Promotion of good health practices, and working to create a foundation for sound lifestyle habits through food service operations, food education, and gardening will be at the forefront of all service work. Service members will be housed out of the University of Missouri Extension office in Jackson County. MU Extension nutrition educators work with individuals and groups in a variety of settings throughout the state to meet a wide range of needs. Whether reaching out to youth and adults through direct education or working with communities to promote healthy policies, systems and environments (PSE), the goal of FNEP is to help participants make behavior changes to achieve lifelong health and fitness.

The purpose of Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) is to provide a quality education that prepares all of their students, regardless of background or circumstances, for success in college, career and life. They work to produce scholars who are high-achieving critical thinkers, prepared to succeed in a constantly changing world and engaged in the improvement of communities. The district has developed a Wellness Policy through their health and wellness advisory council that includes teachers, parents, administrators, and the district nurse. Their overarching goal is to share the message of nutrition and wellness, while emphasizing the importance of nutrition AND fitness. They have an understanding that balance is essential for their wellness policy, which is what lead to the connection with FoodCorps.

Kansas City Public Schools acknowledges that our schools are built on the ancestral homelands of the Kaw (Kanza or Kansa), Jiwere (Otoe), Nutachi (Missouria), and Wahzhazhe (Osage) Nations and Peoples. We honor and respect the Indigenous Peoples whose land is now part of our district boundaries. We acknowledge that Indigenous Peoples in Kansas City, the state of Missouri, and throughout the United States were forced to cede their territory and endure generations of genocide. Kansas City Public Schools is committed to creating a culture of equity and affirming all communities, especially those who are marginalized. The stories and heritage of Indigenous Peoples will be shared, valued and celebrated within our schools. The student population as the schools is just over 14,000 in PK through 12th grade. The district serves a diverse population with approximately 54% Black students and 27% Hispanic students – and 100% of the student population qualifies for free meals. There are more than 36 languages spoken by students in the district, and 22% of students receive ELL services.

Being a FoodCorps Missouri member is being part of a joyful and close-knit cohort of 10, serving in 2 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 Midwest Impact and Partnerships Lead, who used to work Extension in Wisconsin and Iowa, and teach ‘Kids in the Kitchen’ programming, and a Midwest Program Coordinator who has years of experience in team development. We’re here to ensure you get the support you need as you create joyful experiences with food for kids at school! Missouri is full of incredible food systems organizations and food justice projects, and we’d love to have you be a part of our team!

Preferred Qualifications

  • Interest in nutrition, food education, and gardening
  • Interest in fostering healthy lifestyle choices in youth
  • Passion to work with children
  • Access to transportation is required

Kansas City sits on Missouri’s western edge, and straddles the border with Kansas. FoodCorps service members will be working in the Kansas City Public Schools to continue growth on the district wellness plan that has a strong emphasis in improving the health of students. Promotion of good health practices, and working to create a foundation for sound lifestyle habits through food service operations, food education, and gardening will be at the forefront of all service work. Service members will be housed out of the University of Missouri Extension office in Jackson County. MU Extension nutrition educators work with individuals and groups in a variety of settings throughout the state to meet a wide range of needs. Whether reaching out to youth and adults through direct education or working with communities to promote healthy policies, systems and environments (PSE), the goal of FNEP is to help participants make behavior changes to achieve lifelong health and fitness.

The purpose of Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) is to provide a quality education that prepares all of their students, regardless of background or circumstances, for success in college, career and life. They work to produce scholars who are high-achieving critical thinkers, prepared to succeed in a constantly changing world and engaged in the improvement of communities. The district has developed a Wellness Policy through their health and wellness advisory council that includes teachers, parents, administrators, and the district nurse. Their overarching goal is to share the message of nutrition and wellness, while emphasizing the importance of nutrition AND fitness. They have an understanding that balance is essential for their wellness policy, which is what lead to the connection with FoodCorps.

Kansas City Public Schools acknowledges that our schools are built on the ancestral homelands of the Kaw (Kanza or Kansa), Jiwere (Otoe), Nutachi (Missouria), and Wahzhazhe (Osage) Nations and Peoples. We honor and respect the Indigenous Peoples whose land is now part of our district boundaries. We acknowledge that Indigenous Peoples in Kansas City, the state of Missouri, and throughout the United States were forced to cede their territory and endure generations of genocide. Kansas City Public Schools is committed to creating a culture of equity and affirming all communities, especially those who are marginalized. The stories and heritage of Indigenous Peoples will be shared, valued and celebrated within our schools. The student population as the schools is just over 14,000 in PK through 12th grade. The district serves a diverse population with approximately 54% Black students and 27% Hispanic students – and 100% of the student population qualifies for free meals. There are more than 36 languages spoken by students in the district, and 22% of students receive ELL services.

Being a FoodCorps Missouri member is being part of a joyful and close-knit cohort of 10, serving in 2 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 Midwest Impact and Partnerships Lead, who used to work Extension in Wisconsin and Iowa, and teach ‘Kids in the Kitchen’ programming, and a Midwest Program Coordinator who has years of experience in team development. We’re here to ensure you get the support you need as you create joyful experiences with food for kids at school! Missouri is full of incredible food systems organizations and food justice projects, and we’d love to have you be a part of our team!

Preferred Qualifications

  • Interest in nutrition, food education, and gardening
  • Interest in fostering healthy lifestyle choices in youth
  • Passion to work with children
  • Access to transportation is required