** The Pantry
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A monthly newsletter for Hunger Free America’s National Service Program

Issue 7 // June 24


** TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Message from Robert

AmeriCorps Newsroom

Training Opportunities

Resources and Funding Opportunities

VISTA Supervisors

VISTA Spotlight

VISTA Alumni


** Dear Hunger Free America VISTA Community,
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One of the many challenges of service with the VISTA program is the adjusting between our conceptions of the problems we try to solve, and the material and structural realities and/or limitations that get in the way. You go in, wanting to change the world, have a tangible impact on your communities, and within the minutia of daily routines, the idealism and motivation, or markers of success can often take pretty big hits. While it can feel like you are just spinning your wheels, or struggling, it is important to see your efforts in a wider context. Studies show that AmeriCorps programs lessen the tax burden on communities in which they are implemented. Volunteers are 27% more likely to find employment than those that do not serve. Your presence at your host site alone creates huge opportunities for them to build capacity. In attracting volunteers, a study found in comparing 81 programs that utilized VISTA service to over 1000 organizations that did not, that two years after service,
organizations that utilized our program had 71% more volunteers. These numbers are proof that your efforts are necessary and align with HFA’s broader argument that non-profit work alone cannot solve the issues that we face. Hopefully, as you discover what has worked and what hasn’t worked for you in reaching your service goals, that experience will help inform your future endeavors and further empower you to be a force for change.

-Robert Raspanti, VISTA Leader

* Understanding Non-Profits in the US ([link removed]) - Link to webinar courses on VISTA Campus
* AmeriCorps 2023 State of Evidence Report ([link removed]) - Outline of AmeriCorps achievements and impact on partner programs, communities, and volunteers

VISTA Campus

Understanding Nonprofits in the United States ([link removed])

June 26 2024, 3:00pm - June 26 2024, 4:00pm

Webinar for VISTA members

Nonprofits are a significant economic force in the United States, with over 1.5 million organizations registered as tax-exempt with the IRS, and providing jobs for nearly 8% of the US workforce. Many AmeriCorps members serve directly or work tangentially with nonprofit organizations during their year of service, and a significant amount of AmeriCorps alumni continue to work with and alongside nonprofits throughout their career, and it’s important to understand the crucial role of nonprofits in addressing social, environmental, and cultural issues in our communities. In this session we’ll look at the organization and scale of nonprofits in the United States, the struggles that often accompany nonprofits, as well as the extraordinary value they provide to the country.


Register ([link removed])



HFA Training Events

How the Other Half Eats Book Discussion

Hunger Free America Board Member and author Priya Fielding-Singh will be joining us to discuss her book, How the Other Half Eats and engage in a broader discussion about the role food security plays in society.

Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET, 2:00 pm- 3:00 pm CT, 12:00 pm-1:00 pm PT

Zoom Link ([link removed])

Grant Opportunities and Resources

Summer is typically a slower time of year for grant opportunities to be released, so this month I’m sharing one funding opportunity as well as a couple of sites that are good for building statements of need for your grants. Best wishes for a great summer,

Amy Bonn, Director of Hunger Free America’s National VISTA program.


Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Competitive Grants Program ([link removed])

The Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Program provides grants to non-profits to increase the number of military veterans gaining knowledge and skills through comprehensive, hands-on and immersive model farm and ranch programs offered regionally that lead to successful careers in the food and agricultural sector.


Here's an interesting website, Healthy Food in Health Care ([link removed]) , that looks at screening for food insecurity. It includes toolkits, case studies and other research based material.

​

Applying an Intercultural Competence Lens ([link removed]) -This guide provides an overview of how food pantries and food banks can incorporate cultural competence into their work. The guide provides tools to integrate cultural competence into pantry work, and examples of successful programming.


Current Food Insecurity Data ([link removed]) -Helpful data on the state of food insecurity in the United States. Info graphics and summaries that are very useful for your organization's reports, social media and working with the press.

Dear Supervisors,

In April, I offered an Open Supervisor Forum based on a Harvard Business Review article on managing a team of different personality and work types titled Pioneers, Drivers, Integrators, and Guardians ([link removed]) .

Due to technical issues, the meeting was thwarted, but the ideas in the article are so valuable I encourage you to explore what types you and your VISTA may be and reflect on how you can optimize your work together!

Keep an eye out for the new schedule of Open Supervisor Forums in next month's newsletter and check out the Supervisor's Potluck folder ([link removed]) with past Forum topics, resources, and tools!

As always, please email the Program Manager, Erika Hernandez, at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) with any suggestions

topics to explore!

Employment Opportunities:

HFA's National AmeriCorps VISTA Team is searching for our next Outreach & Recruitment VISTA Leader and Member Engagement VISTA Leader to join our team!

The AmeriCorps VISTA Leader role is open to members who have completed at least one year of full-time service with AmeriCorps or Peace Corps. The VISTA Leader will work closely with the Program Director, Manager, and two fellow Leaders to build the capacity of our service members and the program as a whole. Ideal candidates are those that demonstrated professionalism and growth during their service year and are prepared to advance in responsibilities and expand their skill set.

Please apply with your resume, a cover letter, and two professional/service references via the Outreach & Recruitment Leader application ([link removed]) and the Member Engagement Leader application ([link removed]) by Monday, July 15th.

For any question at all, please email Erika Hernandez Burke at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])


**
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VISTA Lorraine Middleton (pictured right) serving at United Way of Duchess and Orange County New York put together this amazing PowerPoint presentation which she shared with members of AmeriCorps regional staff, as well as HFA s CEO Joel Berg during an in-person site visit last month. She provides a window into her personal journey, accomplishments, and challenges while serving at her host site. And I know that her contributions are deeply appreciated by her organization.

Food Security & Beyond.pptx ([link removed])

Hello fabulous VISTA alumni and welcome back to HFA's VISTA community🙂


Check out our great Alumni Panel Event ([link removed]) and discussion from earlier this year that I hope brings you inspiration and connection via our national VISTA ecosphere!

You'll hear from several VISTA alumni including Andrew Collins, the current Arkansas State Representative (represent!) about how their VISTA service informed and impacted their goals and trajectories.

We are always looking to connect alumni with our active members, so if you are interested in participating in a panel event or a media reel, please reach out to the Program Manager, Erika Hernandez at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Suggestions for future editions or submission material, please send any ideas or material to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
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