Farm to School Intern - Nutrition ServicesAt — Santa Ana Unified School District

The Farm to School Intern for the Nutrition Services Department will play a vital role in supporting the implementation of farm-to-school initiatives within our school district. This internship provides an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to gain hands-on experience in promoting local food sourcing, enhancing education, and fostering healthy eating habits among SAUSD students.

**Qualifications: **

• Currently enrolled in a relevant degree program (e.g., Nutrition, Anthropology, Business, Agriculture, Education, Environmental Studies, etc.) or recent graduate.
• Passion for promoting healthy eating habits and sustainable food systems.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in event planning, community outreach, or education is a plus.
• Knowledge of local agriculture and food systems is desirable.

**Benefits: **

• Hands-on experience in the field of farm-to-school and nutrition education.
• Opportunity to contribute to impactful initiatives that benefit students' health and well-being.
• Networking opportunities with professionals in nutrition services, education, and agriculture.
• Potential for school credit or stipend based on the internship program.

Tasks:

• Identify, collaborate, and coordinate with local farmers and suppliers to facilitate the procurement of fresh, locally-grown produce for school meals.
• Support the development and implementation of nutrition, urban agriculture, garden-based education, education programs that highlight farming, agriculture, culture, food systems, nutrition benefits for K-12.
• Data collection and reports for related to farm-to-school activities.
• Collaborate and work with nutrition services team and school staff, teachers, parents, and community members to foster a supportive environment for farm-to-school activities.
• Help organize promotional events and activities.
  Assist and collaborate with menu team on options for students.

Training:

Students will be provided with a weeklong orientation, on farm to school program, which may include food safety practices, farm safety, sustainability, shadow program coordinator. Conduct weekly huddle with program coordinator to evaluate and assess student intern performance and productivity.

Learning Outcome:

By the end of the internship the student will be able to apply knowledge of local sourcing and procurement principles to effectively identify, select, and acquire locally-grown products for school meals.
Enhance interpersonal skills, communication abilities, and teamwork through effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including educators, farmers, suppliers, and community members.
Examine the role of food and agriculture in child development and cultural practices, considering the anthropological perspectives.
Students will explore the historical and cultural significance of local farming practices and how they are reflected in the design, layout, and crops of school gardens, demonstrating an understanding of how cultural heritage influences agricultural choices.

*Please note *

Santa Ana is recognized as an area with a history of criminal activity, low income, and housing challenges. However, there will be security and parking lots are well lit and patrolled by SAUSD school police.