ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The Food Policy and Planning Division oversees Baltimore Food Policy Initiative (BFPI) and uses food as a catalyst to address health, economic, and environmental disparities in Healthy Food Priority Areas, areas where residents face compounded challenges in accessing healthy foods. To bring multiple perspectives to food system solutions, the Department of Planning, Office of Sustainability (BOS), Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD), and Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) have been key agency leads. After nine years of growth and evolution, BFPI includes three pillars:

• Interagency Collaboration
• Food Policy Action Coalition
• Resident Food Equity Advisor

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Food Policy and Planning (FPP) Division of the Department of Planning seeks a Food Policy Fellow to assist in implementing a comprehensive 5-pillared response, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), to improve nutritional security, food access, and food equity during and after COVID-19. The 5 pillars are: 1) Continue COVID-19 emergency produce box distribution; 2) Increase Online Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation to address the inequitable access to home delivered groceries; 3) Expand nutrition incentives at farmers markets; 4) Implement a Produce Prescription (Rx) program at MedStar Harbor Hospital; and 5) Build the BIPOC local food production supply chain to shift away from emergency food and towards local food procurement and production.

Additionally, this position will focus on planning and attending community engagement and outreach events, such as the FPP’s Food Policy Action Council (Food PAC) and Resident Food Equity Advisors cohort. This position is especially suited for students or individuals who have a passion for food equity, food access, food-related policy, food planning, urban agriculture, and community based work. This position sits within the Food Policy and Planning Division at the Department of Planning.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ARPA Program Management (30%)

• Serve as a key member of the Food Policy and Planning team by lending critical support to FPP projects related to implementing the American Rescue Plan Act pillars, communication efforts, and/or research/capacity building
• Support Food Policy and Planning in American Rescue Plan Act funding requests, implementation, and reporting
• Conduct research to create recommendations for various FPP initiatives and food policy
• Assist in research across food-related fields to support Food Policy and Planning team efforts

Community Engagement (30%)

• Assist in the development and distribution of educational and outreach materials such as flyers, social media content, and educational brochures
• Establish relationships with community members, local organizations, and stakeholders to foster collaboration and support for community initiatives
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and managing community events, workshops, meetings, and trainings.
• Attend tabling and outreach events on behalf of the Department of Planning’s Food Policy and Planning Division

Writing (20%)

• Assist in developing policy briefs, memos, and talking points for City agencies and the Mayor’s Office
• Ensure writing tasks are completed in a timely fashion

Administrative Tasks (20%)

• Attend regular meetings with FPP team and various stakeholders
• Assist in note taking during meetings
• Organizational duties such as document management

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Competent in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Word
• Demonstrates ability to write clearly and effectively
• Demonstrates understanding of basic technology skills
• Team player and works well with others
• Strong facilitation and community engagement skills
• Strong technical writing skills and ability to prepare detailed reports
• Knowledge in principles of food resiliency, equity, food systems, food access and/or urban agriculture
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced work environment
• Competent in understanding and synthesizing data into charts and graphs
• Ability to present and facilitate community conversations
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders including residents, community leaders, non and for profit organizations, and members of city government

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience or educational background in food systems, food policy, urban planning, and/or agriculture and land use
• Someone who is organized and can work on multiple projects at once
• Passionate about one or more of the following topics: food equity, food systems, food policy, urban agriculture and land use
• Proficient in GIS and/or design software such as Adobe Suite

BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, vision benefits and paid time-off

COMPENSATION

• Salary: $50,000
• 1 year role