Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP)

In March, LEAP staff and partners attended the Virginia Food is Medicine Summit in Richmond. We learned from national and state programs, discussed Virginia policy to support Food is Medicine, and lifted up the great work happening in Roanoke.  LEAP's Executive Director (Maureen McNamara Best) facilitated a panel on the Continuum of Food is Medicine programs including SNAP incentive programs (Elizabeth Borst, Virginia Fresh Match), Produce Rx (Rachel Burks, Carilion Clinic), Medically Tailored Groceries (Lesley McPhatter, UVA) and Medically Tailored Meals (John Trant, The Neighborhood Harvest). Big thanks to FEDERATION OF VIRGINIA FOOD BANKS for hosting the Summit!

Do you have a passion for local food, sustainable growing practices, and supporting farmers in the Roanoke region? LEAP has openings for year-round staff and summer internships. Find out more on our website: https://lnkd.in/eYYg2YG7 #hiring #hiringnow #nonprofit #roanokeva #swva #localfood #foodsystems #joinourteam

LEAP is hiring a Community Gardens Manager to lead the three community gardens run by our nonprofit. The community gardens are a tool and resource to facilitate conversations about food, provide hands-on gardening education, and create space for community, art, and health. This position is year-round and hourly (20-30 hours per week)and includes benefits and paid time off. Find the full job description and how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/eBpBPkRq Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of March 29, 2024. #hiring #hiringnow #gardening #communitygardens #nonprofit #roanokeva #swva #localfood #foodsystems #joinourteam

As our nonprofit continues to shift and grow, LEAP is seeking an Administrative Services Manager. This position will help LEAP keep our back-end systems moving smoothly. The Administrative Services Manager will support program managers and help LEAP think about how to better integrate, streamline, and improve our data, IT, office, and administrative systems. For applicants who have experience working with databases, spreadsheets, donor relationship management systems, IT, and office management, particularly in a small-team environment, this role is an opportunity to put those skills to use in support of building a resilient organization. This job is in-person, Monday-Friday, 30-40 hours/week. Find a detailed position description on the LEAP website. https://lnkd.in/eVm2dEEh To apply, email a cover letter and resume to maureen@leapforlocalfood.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of March 15. LEAP is also accepting applications for two Market Operators and up to four Summer Interns. Email kelly@leapforlocalfood.org for more information about these opportunities. #hiring #hiringnow #administrator #nonprofit #roanokeva #swva #localfood #foodsystems #joinourteam

These #RFNFoodStories are a great way to get to know the people behind the Roanoke region's local food leaders!

Rachel Burks is such an important partner and supporter of LEAP. Take a moment to learn how she is working to bring more nutritious food to more in our community!

Kelly Key is a vital part of LEAP! We are so grateful to have her know-how and skills to help our nonprofit succeed. ❤️

LEAP Executive Director, Maureen McNamara Best, just completed her Master in Public Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health as a #BloombergFellow. Her research focused on applying systems thinking to evaluate #foodasmedicine and #ProduceRx programs. As part of this work, Maureen worked with community partners to redesign and pilot a Produce Rx program model in Roanoke that can expand and scale and still maintain roots in community food systems.