Food System Internship
Do you have an interest in agriculture? Are you interested in a hands-on introduction to the Island’s food system? Do you want to give back to the Island community?
Island Grown Initiative is looking for applicants for their summer internship program engaged in the Island food system. Interns will work hands-on in IGI’s farming and food equity programs to grow food and feed the community. This is a great opportunity to explore a future food-related career while giving back to the Island community.
About the Employer
Since 2006, Island Grown Initiative has worked to build a strong local food system for all on Martha’s Vineyard.
Today, their programs touch the lives of the majority of year-round islanders. Between farm to school education for every island child, food access programs that support more than 1 in 5 year-round residents, and a 42-acre regenerative farm that helps heal the environment while producing abundant food for the community, IGI has become an integral part of the fabric of life on the Vineyard.
Details
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Hours: 15 per week | Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9-3 (with a 1 hour unpaid lunch break)
Duration: July 1st - August 19th
Opportunity Open to: High School Students: Interns must be entering grades 9-12 in the fall.
Duties + Responsibilities
IGI Farm: Work alongside skilled farmers on our 12 acre farm to glean nutrient dense produce and help get this food to the community. Assist in maintaining the community garden.
Community kitchen: Help prepare meals to increase access to fresh and healthy food.
School gardens: Help plant, weed, and harvest the school gardens over the summer.
Food Access: Help with weekly operations at our Island Food Pantry, which provides food to 1 in 5 islanders.
Skills + Experience
Required skills:
Interns must be entering grades 9-12 in the fall, and be able to secure a work permit if they are under 18 years of age.
Passion for creating a regenerative and equitable food system.
Ability to work professionally and responsibly, and come to work dependably and on time.
Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Candidates should be available to work Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9-3 (with a 1 hour unpaid lunch) July 1st - August 19th.
Interns must be able to get themselves to the IGI Farm each morning.
Interns are expected to work 90 hours over the course of the summer.
The ideal candidate is:
Interested in farming and exploring a future food-related career
Passionate about food access and community
Is eager to learn
Compensation
Compensation: Upon completion of 90 hours, interns will receive a $1,350 stipend.
Perks:
Access to fresh food from the farm!
This internship will..
Help you develop the following skills:
Hands-on experience planting, weeding, and harvesting at the farm and school gardens.
Hands-on experience preparing and packaging meals in the kitchen.
Hands-on experience packing and distributing food at the Island Food Pantry.
Guided experience developing an independent project to address a need to strengthen the food system, food access, or food production.
CAMP! Internship Program Requirements
BootCAMP!
CAMP! interns are required to participate in BootCAMP – a weekend of in-person professional development workshops. Topics covered include professionalism, goal setting, skill development, financial wellness, and preparing a professional profile.
Upon completion, interns will receive a certificate of completion. Exemptions may be permitted under exceptional circumstances.
When: Saturday + Sunday | June 27 + 28, 2026
Location: In-person at Slough Farm in Edgartown, MA.
More details coming soon!
End of Program Celebration
During the End of Program Celebration, interns will reflect on their personal and professional goals and accomplishments relating to their internship experience.