September 2, 2021 — In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the surge of the Delta variant, and the virus’s devastating impact on communities around the world, FoodCorps today announced that the organization will require staff and service members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure safer environments both at schools and in workplaces. FoodCorps will enforce this mandate to the extent permitted by applicable state and local law.

As many children head back to school for in-person instruction this year, FoodCorps is committed to protecting the health of kids and communities. COVID-19 vaccination is the safest and most just way to protect communities from the virus and create safe places for kids to learn and thrive. FoodCorps’ decision is informed by recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as many of our school partners. 

In the 2021-2022 school year, FoodCorps will support 220 service members serving in 13 states and Washington, D.C. FoodCorps service members are expected to serve in-person at their schools and sites when students and teachers are present for in-person learning in their community. Ensuring all service members are vaccinated is crucial in cultivating safe environments for the kids and families with whom they interact. 

FoodCorps employees and service members will have until September 10, 2021 to provide proof of both vaccines or proof of the first vaccine with the intent to receive the second dose in the recommended time frame. FoodCorps will be accepting medical or religious exemptions for those who qualify. 

About FoodCorps 

Together with communities, FoodCorps connects kids to healthy food in school so that every child—regardless of race, place, or class—gets the nourishment they need to thrive. Our AmeriCorps leaders transform schools into places where all students learn what healthy food is, care where it comes from, and eat it every day. Building on this foundation of direct impact, FoodCorps develops leaders, forges networks, and pursues policy reforms that in time have the potential to improve all of our nation’s 100,000 schools. To learn more about FoodCorps’ work across the country, visit http://www.foodcorps.org. 

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