CSA Intern

The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, provides job training, transitional employment, and support services to people experiencing homelessness. In addition, HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program. Our programs take place on our 3.5-acre organic farm and related social enterprises.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and hardworking intern who will support our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in the Spring and Summer.  The CSA Intern will lead member pick-up and u-pick hours and develop the weekly newsletter for members.

CSA: CSA members provide crucial support to HGP by investing in the farm by making a commitment to buy produce from HGP each week during the harvest season and paying in advance for the produce. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture and transitional jobs enhances HGP’s planning and financial stability and creates a community of people who are deeply committed to HGP’s success. In return, we seek to provide CSA members with quality and diverse organic produce, tips, recipes for using the produce, and news and stories about the farm, trainees, and our programs that enhance their community experience.  HGP also operates its Feed 2 Birds program, which donates CSA shares to local agencies serving individuals who may not otherwise have access to fresh organic produce.

Responsibilities

Farm:

• Manage and check off CSA customer pick-up and u-pick
• Manage and check off Feed 2 Birds agency pick-ups
• Welcome and engage CSA members and visitors at the farm
• Assist in harvest, wash/packing, and quality control of produce
• Perform farm work as needed to support farm and CSA production
• Manage any additional farm stand purchases during CSA pick-up and u-pick hours

Administrative:

• Create a weekly CSA newsletter (interview staff/trainees, write farm narratives, take regular photos of
• the farm and the work, promote HGP events, research recipes, etc.)
• Support CSA record keeping using Excel and Google sheets.

Qualifications:

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented individual
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines
• Dependability, flexibility, and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Superb communication skills, both written and verbal
• Interest in sustainable agriculture and social justice
• Ability to work independently and with others, including staff, volunteers, donors, and vendors
• A demonstrated commitment to HGP’s mission and values
• Excellent ethical standards and personal integrity
• Completed or working toward a college degree, preferred

Intern Will Gain:

• Diverse skills and hands-on experience for a growing nonprofit organization
• Experience supporting Homeless Garden Project CSA coordination and communications
• Education around sustainable agriculture and Organic crop production
• Experience building relationships with a wide range of community members
• Opportunities to contribute and implement creative insights and feedback regarding CSA and value-added enterprises
• Opportunities to interact with professionals in the both nonprofit and for-profit sectors

Work Schedule/Time Commitment:

Start Date: May 17th, 2023

End Date: October 18th, 2023

Commitment: ~20 hours per week