On Monday, the Center for Total Health was delighted to host a meeting for FoodCorps DC.
FoodCorps is a national nonprofit organization that has nearly 200 AmeriCorps leaders throughout the country who are connecting kids to real food so they can grow up healthy.
These service members help schools in communities with limited resources, where they educate kids on how to make smart choices around food and nutrition. They also lead hands-on activities like gardening and cooking that foster skills and pride around healthy food. They even help make it possible for nutritious meals from local farms to make it onto school lunch trays. FoodCorps recently expanded into Washington, D.C., where they work in partnership with OSSE and many of D.C.’s wonderful food organizations such as D.C. Greens and City Blossoms.
After Monday’s “supervisor summit” at the CTH, we asked FoodCorps DC Supervisor Maddie Morales to answer a few questions for us.
Q: What is the mission or goal of FoodCorps?
A: Together with communities, FoodCorps serves to connect kids to healthy food in school.
Q: What are some of the FoodCorps programs in DC?
A: FoodCorps works with community partners to place service members into DC schools. We have 13 service members serving in 17 schools across the city. Our service members have been placed at schools through our service sites which are DC Greens, City Blossoms, FreshFarm Markets, Capital Area Food Bank, Marie Reed Elementary, Washington Youth Garden, Metz Culinary, and SEED Public Charter.
Q: Where should someone go to see your work in action in DC?
A: One of our 17 partner schools! Cleveland Elementary, Eastern High School, Kimball Elementary, or Hart Middle School, to name a few.
Q: If FoodCorps could change one thing, what would it be?
A: We would create a future in which all of our nation’s children––regardless of class, race, or geography––know what healthy food is, care where it comes from, and eat it every day.
Q: What attracted you to working with FoodCorps?
A: I originally applied to be a service member, because I saw this as a position that aligned my goals and personal values with tangible work. After a year of service, I wanted to continue my journey with FoodCorps as a fellow to further support the amazing work this organization has been able to accomplish.
Q: How can others get involved?
A: Apply to be a service member! Applications are open until March 31st. Spread the word or volunteer at a service site.
Q: Who won during today’s pre-meeting warm up (physically active video) games?
A: Rebecca Lemos. That girl has a mean uppercut punch. (Sorry Sam.)
Q: What healthy strategies does FoodCorps employ for its employees?
A: FoodCorps supports an environment of wellness for employees. Through access to health care, support for eating healthy and reminders to take personal time, I know that my health is a priority for the entire organization. Also, potlucks and sharing delicious, healthy food is huge around here.
Q: Besides Kaiser Permanente, what other organizations does FoodCorps partner with to succeed?
A: We are grateful to have support from a plethora of generous organizations, foundations and individuals who think kids deserve the chance to grow up healthy and happy. Take a look at our funders’ page for a complete list.
Q: What is your goal or personal mission at FoodCorps? What do you enjoy most?
A: As a fellow with FoodCorps, I hope to support our service members and promote the amazing work being done in DC to support healthy lives for our students. I hope my passion for improving the food environment for children and families in DC is motivational to the service member cohort and our larger community! I most enjoy working alongside fantastic and dedicated people already doing this work and learning from the strong foundation that they have created. I also have a personal mission of learning how to cook like all of my colleagues…they are amazing!
You can read more about FoodCorps on their blog and follow their work on Twitter.
Learn more about Keith Montgomery and Alice Patty through their answers to our Total Health Questionnaire.
