Halfway There! Reflecting on Our Food Justice Interns' Journey

Time flies when you're making a difference! We’re officially halfway through our sixth annual Food Justice Internship program, and it’s been an incredible ride so far. It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming this amazing cohort, but in reality, five years of running this program has taught us that every moment is valuable.

Over the years, our program has evolved from a six-month deep dive to a more intensive eight-week experience. This year, that change was especially meaningful. Facing a reduced budget, we had to make a tough call: offer a 10-week program to four students or an eight-week program to six students.

Our choice was clear: we wanted to give more students the chance to learn and be a part of our mission. By opting for a slightly shorter program, we welcomed six talented individuals who get to immerse themselves in the world of food justice.

We believe the knowledge and experience they are gaining is invaluable, and we can't wait to see the incredible things they accomplish beyond their time with us.

The heat here in Bridgeton has been unbearable. With temperatures soaring and humidity making it feel well over 100 degrees, our interns are getting a true taste of working outdoors in extreme conditions. Of course, their well-being is our top priority. We’ve implemented rotational work schedules to make sure they get constant breaks, spend plenty of time in the shade, and stay hydrated with lots of water.

Our internship isn't just about hands-on work; it's also about building a deep understanding of the issues. We’ve invited a fantastic lineup of guest speakers to share their expertise.

Our own CATA team members have spoken on crucial topics like farmworker and immigration rights, highlighting issues that intersect with food justice. This year, we're excited to have also brought in outside experts. So far, they’ve participated in a powerful workshop that unpacked the systems of oppression as they relate to our food systems. These sessions are essential for providing a comprehensive and critical perspective.

We're heading into the final stretch of our internship program, with just a couple of weeks left. We have more exciting updates to share before our incredible interns wrap up their time with us!

Want to be a changemaker? Your donation helps us continue this vital program.