Program Description
In 1992, The Food Project began been bringing young people from the city and the suburbs together to make a difference in the lives of people in Greater Boston and on the North Shore. Each year, a diverse group of 90 youth, ages 14-17, enter The Food Project’s Summer Youth Program and work to grow and distribute tens of thousands of pounds of produce for people in need. For many, it is a first job, and working in crews of eight to ten, the youth gain invaluable skills of teamwork, accountability, civic participation, and communication.
During the six weeks, youth manage over 40 acres of land including suburban farms and remediated urban lots, sell produce through farmers' markets and a Community Supported Agriculture program, prepare and serve lunches in local soup kitchens and homeless shelters, and help to prepare community lunches, where neighbors, youth, staff, and visitors come together to share the harvest. Youth also participate in four workshops each week, covering issues of diversity awareness, hunger and homelessness, sustainable agriculture, and personal reflection.
Through shared labor and structured activities, youth develop a respect for themselves and for peers from very different backgrounds, while acquiring a connection to food and the land.
We are currently accepting applications for the summer of 2009. Please note that deadlines are specific to the information listed below.
Application Deadlines:
Greater Boston Site
March 5 - Youth outside of Boston
April 6 - Residents of Boston
North Shore Site (NS residents can apply for either deadline)
April 2 - for interviews on April 9th in Beverly
April 16 - for interviews on April 22nd in Lynn
Click below to:
Complete on-line application
Download paper application
Each day is a little different. We work in the fields planting, weeding, and harvesting vegetables. We then sell our produce at farmers’ markets, distribute food and serve meals at hunger relief organizations, participate in weekly workshops on agriculture and social awareness; and learn about nature, community, and teamwork.
We spend the summer working in set crews. Each has two leaders (a Crew Leader and an Assistant Crew Leader) and 8-10 young people from 14-17 years old, who come from both the city and the suburbs. There are also site supervisors and growers who help to manage the program. We all work hard together!
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Each crew rotates through different sites spending time working both in urban and suburban settings. Each crew also works in an area hunger relief organization once per week. You must be able to work all six weeks!
Program Dates: June 29 through August 7
Weekly is a stipend of $175 before taxes. You will receive a paycheck every two weeks.
The Food Project pays for all MBTA transportation.
Greater Boston Sites
The South Acton/Fitchburg commuter rail will get you to Lincoln and Boston; it also makes stops in Cambridge, Belmont, Waltham, Weston, Concord, Littleton, South Acton, and Fitchburg. Our Roxbury gardens and Farmers’ Market are near the intersection of Dudley Street and Blue Hill Avenue, and accessible by subway and bus.
North Shore Sites
The Rockport/Newburyport commuter rail will get you to both Lynn and Beverly, and it also makes stops in; Swampscott, Salem, Beverly, North Beverly, Hamilton/Wenham, Ipswich, Rowley, Newburyport, Beverly Farms, Manchester, West Gloucester, Gloucester, and Rockport. Our Lynn Farm is adjacent to the Ingalls school, and is accesible by bus. We will pick you up from the commuter rail in Beverly.
Everyone is required to wear Food Project t-shirts (provided and distributed on the first day) and closed-toe shoes. The rest is up to you, but needs to serve you in all work and weather.
The Food Project instills valuable life and job skills that will last you a lifetime. You will learn about and practice communication skills, self-discipline, cooperation, problem solving, teamwork, dedication, and perseverance for all situations. Most importantly, The Food Project exposes you to people who you might not have met otherwise — some of whom may end up being your best friends. You’ll also discover new perspectives about people, farming, work, life, and yourself.
Call our program team:
Greater Boston: 781-259-8621 x23
North Shore: 781-346-6726 x3
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