Description
Student Volunteer Internship 2024-2025
U.S. Department of Agriculture – Food and Nutrition Service
Child Nutrition Programs, Nutrition and Technical Assistance Branch
Position Description:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service, Child Nutrition Programs is proud to announce the availability of a volunteer internship in our Nutrition and Technical Assistance Branch (NTAB). The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or have a valid visa. The applicant must also be a registered student fulfilling the requirements of an undergraduate or graduate degree program or a recent graduate. This is for a remote position and does not require in-person hours.
Key NTAB responsibilities include providing technical assistance and creating supplemental resources to aide Child Nutrition Program operators, State agency personnel, and food industry representatives in improving the nutrition and healthful food choices for children. Participating interns will gain professional work experience through interning at a Federal agency by: effectively managing workflow to accomplish objectives, developing practical skills, making connections early in their careers, strengthening their resumes, relating the field of nutrition to children, and assessing their interests.
NTAB is looking for individuals with a background in nutrition, food science, food service management, public health or other related field, excellent skills in developing nutrition-related work products, analysis, communication (both oral and written communication), organization, creativity, and good judgment. Marketing (including social media) and graphic experience are also ideal, but not required. The individual should work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and prioritize many projects that are time-sensitive and take initiative to complete projects effectively and efficiently. Interns are tasked with projects that commensurate with their interests and skills.
The appointment will be for a minimum of 12 weeks, 10-40 hours per week (flexible on the specific days and time). The internship is unpaid; participants will not receive a stipend.
At the completion of the internship, the intern will be familiar with the policies and nutrition standards for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program as well as meal pattern requirements, Professional Standards for school nutrition professionals, food crediting, skills in conducting a nutrient analysis, and be familiar with technical assistance resources provided to Child Nutrition Programs.
Duties of the position may include, but not limited to:
-Menu and recipe validation for Child Nutrition Programs
-Testing and providing feedback on menu planning software and new resource tools being developed
-Testing and providing feedback on NTAB technology resources
-Developing marketing materials (including social media) to promote NTAB resources
-Managing/monitoring NTAB’s technical assistance mailbox (assigning questions to appropriate staff/tracking/recording /categorizing responses for a future FAQ tool)
-Assisting with database QC and monthly reports for the CN Label Verification System
-Assisting with presentation preparation for conferences/webinars
-Research and review of training materials for inclusion in the USDA Professional Standards database
-Literature review
How to Apply: Email your resume and cover letter (include details about your major and when you would like to start your internship) to cnpntab@usda.gov. In the subject line, please reference ‘Student Internship 2024-2025’.