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Featured FAQs

FAQs

What are the general guidelines for a healthy and well-balanced diet?

  • Eat this: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy, fish, poultry, beans,nuts and seeds, vegetable oils.
  • Limit this: fatty meats, full-fat dairy, caffeine, sugar sweetened beverages, sweets,sodium intake.
  • Stay hydrated! (Does not include energy drinks, sodas, or any other sugary drinks)

What is a dietary preference?

Dietary preference is a term for food choices based on what you enjoy, find satisfying, value, and feel best eating. You may choose to use personal funds to supplement your diet with preferred foods.

What is a dietary restriction?

Dietary restriction refers to food(s) that cannot be consumed based on medical necessity or religious practice.

What should I do if I have a food allergy?

  • A food allergy is considered a dietary restriction.
  • Food allergies should be reported during the NCCC pre-screening process.
  • All Members with food allergies should discuss the situation with their team and request support in taking necessary action to avoid exposure/ingestion.
  • If a reaction occurs from exposure or ingestion of allergen, seek immediate medical attention.

How do I discuss dietary preferences and/or restrictions with my team?

  • Participate in meal planning so that your dietary preferences and needs are taken intoconsideration.
  • Be specific with requests and reasoning when talking with your team. For example:

    “My preference for pizza night is half veggie and half meat because some of the teammembers do not eat meat.”“I’d like to discuss separate pots, pans and utensils for me to use as a preventivemeasure for managing my allergy.”“My suggestion is that we keep bottled water on hand, not soda.”

What should I do if team conflicts occur in relation to meal planning?

  • Use conflict resolution techniques learned during Corps Member and Team Leader training
  • Request mediation through AmeriCorps NCCC Leadership if conflict remains unresolved.

What is a reasonable accommodation (RA)?

A reasonable accommodation is an adjustment to accommodate an individual based on a religion or disability. Reasonable accommodations are granted when possible to assist Members with safe and successful completion of the service term.

How do I request a reasonable accommodation (RA) for dietary restrictions based on medical necessity or religious practice?

  • Indicate your dietary restrictions during the pre-screening process. AmeriCorps NCCC staff will reach out to you if additional follow-up is needed.
  • If you have already started service, any Member may request RA through NCCC staff at any time during the service term.
  • Medical documentation, signed by a licensed healthcare provider, is required for all medical necessity RA requests.

How old do I need to be to serve in AmeriCorps Seniors?

The minimum age requirement for AmeriCorps Seniors program is 55. Individuals 55 and older may also apply to serve in AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps State and National programs.

Do I need specific skills to apply for AmeriCorps Seniors?

AmeriCorps Seniors taps the skills and experience of its volunteers. In most cases, no specific skills are required.

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