As the growing season begins, we’re excited to share reflections from two of this year’s Youth Pathways & Experiences interns. Chyna, a senior at Wenonah High School who works at our downtown farm stand, and Morgan, a senior at Ramsay High School who works at our Woodlawn farm stand, have been learning firsthand about farming, food access, and community connection through their internship with JVTF. In the interview below, they talk about the skills they’ve developed, what they’ve learned about the local food system, and what they’re most excited to see grow this spring.

We’re excited to share that our farm stands will open for the season at the end of this month. Click here to view 2026 farm stand dates.

Why did you want to be part of JVTF’s YPE Internship?

Chyna: I wanted to be part of JVTF’s YPE internship because I was interested in learning more about food, farming, and how everything works behind the scenes. A lot of people just see food at the store or on their plate, but they don’t really think about the work that goes into growing it. This internship felt like a good opportunity to learn those things while also building real skills. I also liked that the program focuses on personal development, college tours, and culinary sessions, because it helps interns think about their future and what they want to do after high school. Being part of this internship also gave me the chance to work with new people, learn responsibility, and be involved in something that actually helps the community.

Morgan: I wanted to be part of JVTF’s YPE Internship because it seemed like a great chance to try something new and gain experience. I was also interested in learning more about farming and how food gets from the farm to the community. The idea of working outside while being part of something that helps people really stood out to me.

What skills have you developed during this internship, and how have you grown since you started? What skills are you hoping to keep building?

Chyna: Working on the farm and in the kitchen taught me how to work with others and get things done together. I also learned more about cooking and preparing food, which helped me build confidence in the kitchen. Since starting the internship, I’ve grown by becoming more responsible and more comfortable stepping up and helping when something needs to be done. I’ve also learned how to stay focused and take pride in the work I’m doing. Going forward, I want to keep building my leadership skills and continue improving my culinary skills.

Morgan: During this internship, I’ve developed skills like teamwork, communication, and responsibility. I’ve also learned more about harvesting crops and helping people in my local community through the farm stand. Moving forward, I’d like to keep improving my communication skills and continue learning more about farming and agriculture.

What have you learned about food access during the internship?

Chyna: I’ve learned that food access is a bigger issue than many people realize. Not everyone has easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables, especially in some communities. Before this program, I didn’t fully understand how important it is to have places like community farms and farm stands that provide fresh food to people. I’ve learned that programs like this help make healthy food more available and affordable. It also showed me how important it is for communities to support local food systems.

Morgan: During this internship, I’ve learned that not everyone has easy access to fresh, healthy food. Some people don’t live near places that sell fresh fruits and vegetables, which can make it harder to get healthy options. Being part of the farm stand has helped me see how programs like this can make fresh food more accessible in the community.

What have you learned about the community through this program, and what excites you most about working with the community?

Chyna: Through this program, I’ve learned that the community really values having access to fresh food and local farms. When people come to the farm stand, you can tell that it means a lot to them to have fresh produce available nearby. Knowing that the work we’re doing actually helps people. Being able to grow and provide fresh food is something that can make a real difference. I also enjoy interacting with different people and hearing their experiences when they visit the farm stand. It makes the work feel more meaningful because you can see how the farm connects with the community. Overall, it’s rewarding to know that what we’re doing isn’t just about farming but also about supporting and helping others.

Morgan: Through this program, I’ve learned that a lot of people in the community really appreciate having access to fresh, local food. Many visitors at the farm stand are genuinely thankful for it. What excites me most about working with the community is getting to meet different people and knowing that the work we’re doing is helping others. It feels good to know that something as simple as growing food can make a positive impact. I also enjoy talking with visitors and hearing their experiences.