Empowering Youth Voices: Fairfax Food Council Seeks College Representative

The Fairfax Food Council, a diverse coalition of community members, nonprofits, faith partners, county agencies, and businesses, is on a mission to advocate for and promote positive changes in the local food system. In a bold move to amplify the youth perspective, the council is now seeking a college student representative to join their advisory council and help engage the public.

Bridging the Gap: Elevating Youth Involvement in Fairfax's Food Landscape

Shaping an Equitable Food Future

The Fairfax Food Council recognizes the vital role that young people play in shaping the future of their communities. As the council works to promote equitable access to healthy food, particularly in underserved areas, they understand the importance of incorporating the unique insights and experiences of college-aged individuals. The selected youth representative will have the opportunity to serve on the advisory council, offering their perspective and helping to guide the council's priorities.

Amplifying the Youth Voice

Health Department officials have emphasized the significance of the youth representative's role, stating that they will serve as a crucial link between the advisory council and the diverse youth population of Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church. By actively participating in work group and task force meetings, the representative will ensure that the concerns and ideas of young people are heard and incorporated into the council's decision-making process.

Fostering Collaboration and Engagement

As a member of the advisory council, the youth representative will have the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including community members, nonprofits, and county agencies. They will meet monthly with the Fairfax Food Council Project Manager or other designated personnel, allowing them to stay informed and contribute to the council's ongoing initiatives.

Shaping an Equitable Food System

The youth representative's role extends beyond mere participation; they will be actively involved in setting the Fairfax Food Council's priorities. By proactively bringing forward issues of importance to an equitable food system, such as sharing information or challenges on various components of the food system, the representative will play a crucial role in guiding the council's efforts.

Continuous Feedback and Involvement

The youth representative's commitment to the Fairfax Food Council extends beyond the monthly meetings. They will be available for individual outreach, providing feedback on specific issues throughout the year. Additionally, they will assist the council with various projects as needed, ensuring their involvement is not limited to advisory roles but extends to hands-on contributions.

Eligibility and Compensation

To be eligible for the youth representative position, applicants must be undergraduate college freshmen who live and/or attend school in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, or Falls Church during the time of service. While the position is considered a volunteer role, the representatives will be granted a monthly stipend of $25 per hour of service, with an estimated time commitment of approximately six hours per month.

Applying for the Opportunity

The Fairfax Food Council is now accepting applications for the college youth representative position. Interested individuals can apply through the provided link, https://bit.ly/3BitmoC, with the application window closing on October 18th. This is a unique chance for young people to make a tangible impact on their local food system and contribute to the betterment of their community.