Summer Associate - Franklinton Farms - ShareCorps

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). Summer is extremely busy… and we need help! The SAs will support all of our programs. All positions will support volunteerism. VISTA members will uphold and expand neighborhood beautification, instilling additional opportunities for pride and enjoyment to all neighbors. VISTA members will cultivate a love for and knowledge of nature and nutritious foods through garden education and sustainable urban agriculture.

Member Duties : The Summer VISTA members will support seasonal farm production, distribution workflows, volunteer engagement, and garden accessibility efforts that improve consistency and overall effectiveness of Franklinton Farm’s (FF’s) neighborhood food access initiatives. In this role, you will increase farm productivity and strengthen operational systems that support year-round production for food access initiatives at FF. You will also assist with the relaunch of the Weekly Harvest Pack program, leaving an impact that will go beyond this summer. Make a difference in the Franklinton community today!

Program Benefits : Living Allowance , Training , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend .

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

Service Areas :
Community Outreach , Health , Children/Youth , Entrepreneur/Business , Community and Economic Development , Neighborhood Revitalization , Hunger .

Skills :
Community Organization , Trade/Construction , Conflict Resolution , Leadership , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Writing/Editing , Communications .

SUMMARY

Program Type:

AmeriCorps VISTA

Program

Summer Associate - Franklinton Farms - ShareCorps

Program Start/End Date

06/01/2026 - 08/02/2026

Work Schedule

Full Time

Education level

High school diploma/GED

Age Requirement

Minimum: 18 Maximum: None

Program Locations

OHIO

Accepting Applications

From 03/01/2026 To 05/01/2026

Contact

Carrie Dennis

867 W Town St

Columbus OH 43222

614-221-4336

[email protected]

Listing ID

93928