The Carolina Hunger Initiative is a project based at the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Its mission is to improve access to healthy meals year-round for North Carolinians. Learn more about the Carolina Hunger Initiative at carolinahungerinitiative.org.
The Nutrition Assistant position will primarily support activities related to Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids and nutrition education. One of roles of the position includes being a character artist for the NC Summer Nutrition Program’s Ray mascot at events throughout the summer. Additional information on being Ray can be found in the Ray user guide: go.unc.edu/Wq49M
This position requires travel across North Carolina. UNC Chapel Hill employees have access to rental vans, so they do not need to use their own vehicle or pay for gas to attend events. Carpooling with Carolina Hunger Initiative team members may also be available for some events.
Duties may include:
- Serving as a character artist for Ray, the NC Summer Nutrition Program Mascot, which involves attending events and engaging with children and adults including handshakes, fist bumps, and photos.
- Assisting with planning, promoting, and implementing activities and events related to Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids.
- Creating resources using Canva.
- Assisting with nutrition education activities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Current UNC Chapel Hill student who will be enrolled during Fall 2024. Students graduating in May 2024 are not eligible.
- At least 18 years old.
- Interest in child nutrition and improving food and nutrition security.
- Ability to work both independently and part of a team.
- Organized and dependable.
- Comfortable working with children.
- Ability to wear the Ray costume for 10-20 minutes at a time.
- Ability to express enthusiasm, energy, and interest when being Ray.
- Remain anonymous at Ray appearances and not speak while inside the Ray costume.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office/Office 365.
- Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience using Canva.
- Familiarity with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate.
- Experience providing nutrition education lessons.
Time commitment
This position will be approximately 20-40 hours per week from mid-May/June through early August. We are looking for individuals with flexible schedules as dates/times of activities will vary from week to week. Individuals also have the option of helping with occasional events that may occur prior to the start of the summer.