Ithaca Farmers Market
Farm-to-Food Assistance Program Grant Coordinator
About Ithaca Farmers Market The Ithaca Farmers Market, located in Ithaca, NY, is a member-run cooperative market which has been providing access to locally produced goods since 1973. Our market has over 150 active agriculture, artisan, and food vendors. IFM is partnering with Cornell’s FIG Lab on a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) grant to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency in New York State through farm-to-food assistance distribution.
Grant Goals
Support local and traditionally disadvantaged farmers/producers by building and expanding economic opportunities and creating new marketing channels.
Establish and broaden partnerships between New York farmers/producers and the food distribution community and local food networks to ensure distribution of fresh nutritious foods in rural, remote, and/or underserved areas.
Improve food access for underserved communities by tailoring free food distribution to unique local challenges.
Position Description The Farm-to-Food Assistance Program Grant Coordinator will lead the Project Steering Group to develop internal goals for the program and ensure that program metrics are met while creating a community of vendors and external partners who can effectively collaborate with the Cornell FIG lab. The Grant Coordinator will also handle reporting and administration in conjunction with the IFM Organizational Manager.
Reports to: Kelly Sauve, Organizational Manager
Compensation: $23 / hour, non-exempt position
Time Commitment: Approximately April 2024 - March 2025, up to 18 hours / week with a possibility of continuation dependent on grant funding
Deadline to Apply: Rolling until filled, Priority by April 15 when interviews begin
Responsibilities
Working collaboratively with the Organizational Manager and other team members, the Grant Coordinator will:
Understand overall grant metrics and goals and develop strategies that will meet goals, benefit the community and equitably distribute funds amongst producers
Curate and co-lead a project steering group that meets at least monthly via Zoom or in person
Review producer applications for participation using a rubric developed by the Grant Coordinator, Organizational Manager and planning committee
Develop and execute contracts between IFM and producers
Work with partner producers to Identify collaborators and develop partnerships to facilitate food distribution
Create contracts between partner producers and organizations and ensure that agreements are followed
Develop a schedule for pick-up or distribution locations and facilitate logistics
Deliver or arrange for delivery of food as needed
Design / set up food distribution sites (after market, pop-up locations, etc)
Develop and implement a communication strategy / strategies to keep all stakeholders informed of needs / progress / general information
Visit food distribution sites to assess success and identify potential issues
Participate in required research meetings with Cornell
Monitor farmer sales to ensure the amount of food for free distributions they provide is tracked and paid for
Complete and submit monthly reporting and reimbursement requests to Cornell, as well other reports as required by the grant
Prepare monthly progress reports for staff reports submitted to IFM Board of Directors
Continuously monitor grant progress and adjust strategies as needed
Other Requirements of the Position
Ability to work on a flexible time schedule that may include late afternoon or early evenings, and some weekends
Ability to secure transportation as needed to distribution sites
May involve lifting produce boxes or if not able, seek assistance
Desirable Qualifications and Skills
Good written and oral communication skills
Attention to detail and experience keeping records
Knowledge of farming, food distribution, and food access issues
Experience working with the farm and food community including organizations providing food assistance to populations experiencing food insecurity