ShareCorps- Franklinton Farms- Garden Educator

Share Corps
- Franklinton Farms
- Garden Educator

Franklinton Farms' connects people to each other and the land through farming, gardening, and food. While our neighbors are rich in history, loyalty, generosity, and ingenuity, many in our community struggle with poverty and all that often comes with poverty. According to the City of Columbus, "Franklinton suffers from lower than average income, life expectancy, and education, and higher crime rates, infant mortality, and housing cost burden."

These factors culminate in Franklinton having the lowest life expectancy rate for the state of Ohio-a mere 60 years old. Many of our neighbors have been systemically or functionally excluded from getting a hold of nutritious foods… except that they have one of Columbus' most productive urban farms embedded within their neighborhood! We believe in the enormous capabilities of supported, empowered residents and envision a neighborhood and food system that respects the land, values all people, and celebrates community!

From our beginnings as a small community garden in 2007, we now have 4 program areas:
Farming (year round on 12 scattered Franklinton sites covering about 1.5 acres), Food Access (variable pricing/donations of produce), Beautification (improving ecology through pollinator/community gardens), and Garden Education (in our permaculture-style Learning Garden with all ages and through home gardening). Our VISTA member will uphold and expand neighborhood beautification, instilling additional opportunities for pride and enjoyment to all neighbors. The member will cultivate a love for and knowledge of nature and nutritious foods through garden education and sustainable urban agriculture program development.

Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.

Member Duties :
Our VISTA member will expand access to fresh, locally grown food in Franklinton's Low-Income/Low-Access community by strengthening food distribution systems, increasing participation in subsidized and market-based programs, and enhancing community engagement with urban agriculture. This project is perfect for someone that is passionate about food distribution in and interacting with their community. We are looking for a detail-oriented, communicative, and dedicated member to build systems and revitalize project initiatives.

Bonus if you are excited about urban agriculture and facilitating our U-Pick garden! Benefits include $200/month housing stipend

Program Benefits :
Training , Childcare assistance if eligible , Relocation Allowance , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Stipend , Living Allowance , Education award upon successful completion of service .

Terms :

Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours .

Service Areas :

Neighborhood Revitalization , Environment , Education , Entrepreneur/Business , Community and Economic Development , Hunger , Health , Children/Youth , Community Outreach .

Skills :

General Skills , Community Organization , Writing/Editing , Communications .