Seven Americorps workers are beginning their work at Luther's Center for Sustainable Communities

Americorps members Cassie Panther, Elin Anderson and Molly Schnitzler

Seven new AmeriCorps and FoodCorps members have begun working at Luther College's Center for Sustainable Communities.  The seven will spend a year of service to help the local food system and to build active local communities.

Volunteer corps members serve a variety of needs within area schools, including teaching kids about what healthy food is and where it comes from, encouraging active learning with movement, building and tending school gardens, and bringing local food into classrooms and cafeterias.

--Elin Amundson earned a bachelor's degree in U.S. history and history of science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and will work to promote health, wellness, equity and farming in northeast Iowa.

--Andrew Blair graduated from Lawrence University with a degree in Russian studies.  He serves as an AmeriCorps resource contact for the Allamakee Community School District.

--Maria Marton earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and completed two food and beverage-related internships at DePaul University in Chicago.  She will be an AmeriCorps resource contact serving the North Fayette/Valley School District.

--Cassie Panther earned a bachelor of science degree in biology and a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish from Iowa State University.  She is a FoodCorps resource contact for the Elkader Community School District.

--Molly Schnitzler earned a bachelor's degree in theatre arts and international studies from the University of Iowa.  She is a FoodCorps resource contact for the Oelwein Community School District.

--Rebekah Schulz, originally from the Twin Cities, graduated from Luther College with a bachelor's degree in biology and environmental studies.  She is an AmeriCorps resource contact for Turkey Valley, St. Joseph's and Decorah schools.

--Amber Seitz graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree in global resource systems with an emphasis in fruit and vegetable crop production. She is an AmeriCorps resource contact for Turkey Valley, St. Joseph's and Decorah schools.

Luther College is one of four core partners in the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative, which also includes Northeast Iowa Community College, Iowa State Extension and Outreach and the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission. Luther coordinates education and outreach to school districts by supporting wellness teams and through the direction and supervision of the AmeriCorps and FoodCorps members.

Andrew Blair

Maria Marton

Amber Seitz

Rebekah Schulz