St. Louis is a major city in Missouri located along the Mississippi River. Its iconic, 630-ft. Gateway Arch, built in the 1960s, honors the early 19th-century explorations of Lewis and Clark and America’s westward expansion and brings history to the city. The Saint Louis Public Schools is a district containing 74 schools, and just over 19,000 students. FoodCorps service members will be housed out of the University of Missouri Extension office in Saint Louis County. MU Extension in Saint Louis County is the outreach and engagement arm of the University of Missouri system providing research-based educational programs for youth and families, businesses and communities, and horticulture. MU Extension is known as a valued and trusted resource for Missourians; providing programming needs throughout the 90 municipalities of St. Louis County in addition to residents in St. Louis City.

The Saint Louis School Public Schools have an extensive health and wellness policy that focuses on eight key areas: Health and wellness education, physical education and physical activity, health services, healthy school learning environment, food and nutrition services, health promotion and being well, family and community involvement, and creative ways to cross-target resources to help students succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. The district strives to provide world-class education and emphasis that community must be involved in the education process, as well as parents. The St. Louis Public Schools are obligated to help students overcome any obstacles that may hinder their learning by forming partnerships with the entire community.

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!