BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC in Atlanta office was established in 1979 and has resettled over 27,000 refugees from 50 countries into the Greater Atlanta area. As the largest refugee resettlement agency in Georgia, the IRC in Atlanta resettles an average of 1,000 refugees into Georgia annually and provides additional services and assistance to another 2,500 refugees and asylees.

SCOPE OF FOOD SECURITY INTERN WORK: The Food Security Intern reports directly to the New Roots Program Coordinator and supports efforts under the IRC’s New Roots program. New Roots focuses on bringing refugees together to build connections with their new homes through nutrition, healthy lifestyles, and community gardening. The Food Security Intern will work alongside the New Roots and Social Adjustment teams to promote a Food Secure Resettlement (FSR) strategy within the IRC office. The FSR strategy is an attempt to provide resources to clients around healthy eating and food access. The New Roots intern will also support adult education initiatives around healthy cooking demonstrations, grocery store navigation, emergency food distribution and community gardening.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with the development and promotion of a Food Secure Resettlement (FSR) strategy within the Atlanta IRC office by working with the Resettlement department and New Roots program, including research of funding opportunities;
• Develop a FSR database that can track food security indicators (such as client housing proximity to fresh produce outlets, diet-related illness, etc.);
• Implement a strategy for assisting clients that have been identified as food insecure;
• Support adult educational programs and workshops within New Roots, including lessons on nutrition, food access, and healthy eating.

Qualifications

• Interest or experience in food security, either through research and/or local programs;
• Strong interest in working with international clients and excellent spoken and written communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and take initiative;
• Proven ability to work with consideration and respect for cross-cultural differences;
• A clean driving record and reliable vehicle;
• Basic experience in gardening and ability to lift up to 50 pounds strongly preferred.

HOURS:

• must be able to work at least 15 hours a week;
• Internship is from May to July/August;
• Some weekend and/or evening hours will be required.

Check with your Internship Coordinator BEFORE accepting to determine how you might do this internship for credit.

For more information, please email VolunteerATL@rescue.org. To learn more about our organization, please visit www.rescue.org/Atlanta