The Food Project: Youth. Food. Community.

Apply Online for the 2010 program! or download an Info Card.

We're also now hiring Crew Leaders and Site Supervisors.

Since 1992, The Food Project has been bringing young people from the cities and the suburbs together to make a difference in the lives of people in eastern Massachusetts. Each year, a diverse group of nearly 100 youth, ages 14-17, enter The Food Project’s Summer Youth Program and work to grow and distribute thousands of pounds of organic produce for people in need. For many, it is a first job, and working in crews of ten, the youth gain invaluable skills of teamwork, accountability, civic participation, and communication.

Program Description

During the six and a half weeks, youth farm on both urban and suburban land, sell produce at farmers' markets, prepare and serve lunches in local soup kitchens and homeless shelters, and participate in community lunches where neighbors, youth, staff, and visitors come together to share the harvest. Youth also participate in 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.

Our two program sites are:

Greater Boston - for youth living in Boston and its western suburbs
North Shore - for youth living in Lynn, Beverly and surrounding communities

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I apply?

We are currently accepting applications for the summer of 2010.

Application Deadline:  March 19, 2010

Be sure to read the instructions carefully. Then, complete an application at apply.thefoodproject.org.

What’s the work like?

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 and serve meals at homeless shelters, participate in weekly workshops on agriculture and social awareness, and learn about nature, community, and teamwork.

Who will I work with?

Each Summer Youth Program participant will join a crew. Each crew has two leaders (a Crew Leader and an Assistant Crew Leader) and ten young people from 14-17 years old, who come from both urban and suburban communities in the area. There are also site supervisors and growers who lead the program. We all work hard together!

How much will I get paid?

We pay a stipend of $200/week (before taxes). Paychecks are issued every two weeks.

What should I wear?

Everyone is required to wear a Food Project t-shirt (provided on the first day). The rest is up to you, but needs to serve you in all work and weather.

Will this job prepare me for future jobs?

The Food Project teaches valuable life and job skills that will last 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 will also discover new perspectives about people, farming, work, life, and yourself.

What are the hours?

You must be able to work all six and a half weeks!

How do I get to Lincoln/Roxbury?

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 farms and Farmers’ Market are near the intersection of Dudley Street and Blue Hill Avenue, and accessible by subway and bus. The Food Project pays for all MBTA transportation. Many friendships are made on the train as workers travel to and from sites. Each crew in the Greater Boston program rotates, spending a number of weeks in both Lincoln and Roxbury.

How do I get to Lynn/Beverly?

The Rockport/Newburyport commuter rail will get you to both Lynn and Beverly, and it also makes stops in; Swampscott, Salem, Beverly, North Beverly, Hamilon/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. The Food Project pays for all MBTA transportation. Many friendships are made on the train as workers travel to and from sites.

I still have questions. Is there someone I can talk to?