The summer flew by, and so did our 2024 Food Justice Youth internship program. We still remember when we first started in Spring of 2021 with 3 students, and now more than 20 students have gone through our program. Our internship program offers youth a unique chance to learn about the entire food chain, from farm to table and beyond the table. As a farmworker organization, we provide hands-on experience growing food and understanding the vital role of agricultural workers. Each year's group of interns is unique, and the 2024 program, with its 10-week timeline, starting in late June and ending in late August, was no exception.
This year, our program welcomed six interns, including students from a new school district. They learned the entire process of food production, from planting seeds to selling at the market and creating value-added products. Throughout the program, we observed significant growth in their soft skills. Our interns explored a variety of topics this year, including heat stress, worker rights, the food web, food sovereignty, sustainable farming practices, and the history of racism in agriculture, among others. Additionally, our interns gained practical experience by harvesting, weeding our raised beds, and learning to use various gardening tools correctly. They also participated in our weekly market, where they learned about washing, weighing, and interacting with customers. Initially shy, they grew more confident and comfortable throughout the internship, inspiring us with their growth and potential.
This year, we were excited to take our interns to the Rutgers Food Innovation Center. They toured the facility and learned about all that can be done there. One fascinating fact was that the Impossible Burger was developed right there! In addition, they had the opportunity to learn from other CATA staff members. They heard about CATA's history, learned how to use tools like Canva, and even had the chance to share their experiences on the radio. Even though we faced challenges this year, including extreme heat, heavy rain, and the lack of our main crop, papalo, we were still able to make this season a success.
We celebrated on August 21st, just a week before the internship concluded. We had a potluck and then toured the garden, led by the youth. It was amazing to see how much they had learned in just two months as they confidently explained the different plants to our guests. At the end of the night, we invited parents to offer words of encouragement and advice to the youth. Some suggested that they view this experience as a stepping stone, applying their newly developed skills in future careers. Lali, a 2021 cohort member, shared her experience and the positive impact the program has had on her life. She emphasized the importance of the garden and her ongoing commitment to community work. Lali is now a valued member of our board.
We are privileged to offer this internship program to youth in Bridgeton, NJ. It allows them to enhance their skills, learn new things, and get some monetary support. This is not a common opportunity. Our aspiration is to expand the program in the future to inspire more youth and prepare them for their post-high school endeavors.
For more information about CATA's Food Justice Program visit CATA's Food Justice or contact Kathia Ramirez at kramirez@cata-farmworkers.org or 856-575-5511.