Food+ is a work-based learning internship that gives college students a crash course in civic engagement, data science, and online and offline outreach tools through work in food systems advocacy in Hawaiʻi.
Hawaiʻi imports 80-90% of its food. As the most isolated land mass in the world, our dependence on food imports is a huge problem for disaster preparedness and our islands’ carbon footprint and sustainability. Equally critical is how locally grown food is one of the most important connections between kanaka and ʻāina. The food system can keep both healthy, or make both sick.
Food+ interns are college students studying the food system, agriculture, nutrition, public health, or political science, and any young adult working in the food system. They apply their knowledge as community advocates for a better food system, learning collaborative online work tools, professionalism, and problem-solving while also helping improve the food system.
January to May 2025
Approximately 10 hours per week, with flexibility for outreach and events
Based on Oʻahu, with opportunities to participate remotely and engage in community outreach statewide
Held via Zoom to accommodate interns across Hawaiʻi
Policy research, legislative tracking, preparing testimony, and attending policy meetings or outreach events
Build Advocacy Skills: Develop essential skills in public policy research, legislative tracking, and crafting effective testimony.
Explore Food Systems and Sustainability: Gain a deep understanding of Hawaiʻi’s food systems, regenerative agriculture, and food sovereignty initiatives.
Make a Real Impact: Contribute to active policy discussions and advocate for bills that shape the future of Hawaiʻi’s food landscape.
Expand Your Network: Join a community of passionate advocates from across Hawaiʻi and build connections with leaders dedicated to creating positive change.
Are a college student or young adult working within the food system and residing anywhere in Hawaiʻi
Have a passion for advocating for sustainable local food systems and enhancing community well-being
Want to gain hands-on experience in policy research, navigating legislative processes, and civic engagement
Are eager to collaborate with community leaders, policymakers, and advocates to shape impactful food policy initiatives
Increase civic engagement in younger generations through empowerment and education
Increase opportunities and remove barriers for young people to engage in small farming for local consumption as a way of life or a career
Decrease dependency on imported food and agricultural goods and increase local farmers and value-added products for Hawaiʻi food resiliency
Incentivize and support regenerative and Native Hawaiian traditional farming and fishing practices
Create access to healthy, culturally appropriate foods by supporting policies that serve the health and wellness of the people, the environment, social equity, and economic stability of Hawaii.
Provide farm-to-school programming–production, education, and local procurement for all learners
Accepting Applications
The Spring 2025 application is open!
Deadline to apply is November 20, 2024.
Visit our website for more information, click the link below.
CONTACT
Janine Mariano, Program Manager
janine@purplemaia.org.
