LEAP Internship Applications are currently open for winter/spring of 2026 (January-May). Summer internships will be announced later in the spring.

LEAP loves our interns! LEAP interns play a vital role in helping LEAP to fulfill our mission, helping  to build and nurture our local food community. Intern hours and roles are flexible, and might include supporting the daily work of our mobile market, farmers markets, community gardens, processing kitchen, food hub operations, and/or community outreach and marketing.

LEAP internships are seasonal and unpaid. Supervisors are happy to fill out paperwork to provide service hours or class credit requirements. Internships are designed to fit each intern’s schedule and interests, while taking into account the specific needs of our organization (which change depending on seasons and other factors).

Internships with LEAP are a wonderful way to learn about working with a local nonprofit and about LEAP's work in the Roanoke food system. Interns are encouraged to learn, gain new skills, and interact with different people, perspectives, and aspects of our work. This includes taking home local fruits and vegetables as available.

Sample of Internship Opportunities:

• Setup, breakdown, and supporting nutrition education efforts at our two farmers markets (West End Farmers Market, Tuesdays 3-6pm; Grandin Village Farmers Market, Saturdays 8am-12pm).
• Assist in loading LEAP Mobile Market, setup, breakdown, and restocking at Mobile Market stops, and helping customers learn about local food and nutrition incentives.
• Support LEAP Community Gardens maintenance activities, such as mowing, watering, weeding, planting, and building.
• Help rescue and process fresh food from local farms into a variety of value-added food products, such as soups, salads, baked goods, and more to be sold in LEAP outlets.
• Assist with packing and distributing the LEAP Farm Share.
• Support LEAP social media posting, creating content for LEAP’s website and newsletters, taking and organizing LEAP photos and other administrative tasks.
• Special projects to support LEAP outreach, education, food access, and other tasks.

Requirements:

• Interest in food systems, food access, and/or local agriculture
• Ability to follow directions and work thoroughly and efficiently
• Strong attention to detail and and organized work style
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to interact with diverse populations
• Ability to lift 40 pounds
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Willingness to follow all food safety guidelines

Schedule:

• LEAP works with seasonal interns, year round. The hours per week and duration of the internship are flexible. LEAP interns that work less than 10 hours/week are expected to commit to at least a three-month internship. Interns that work more than 10 hours/week can be shorter. If these conditions aren’t met, LEAP’s volunteer program may be a good fit.
• Spring / Winter: January - May‍
• Summer:  May - September‍
• Fall: September - December

About LEAP

Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP) is a Roanoke-based 501c3 nonprofit. Founded in 2009, LEAP strives to nurture equitable food and farming systems that prioritize health and abundance. LEAP programs include two farmers markets, a mobile market, a farm share, a food hub, a processing kitchen, three community gardens, and robust nutrition incentive programs. LEAP will be opening a retail store in 2024 at its location in Roanoke’s West End neighborhood. LEAP also serves as a fiscal sponsor for Roanoke Foodshed Network and Virginia Fresh Match. Learn more about LEAP at leapforlocalfood.org.

To Apply:

Please complete this intern application form and email your cover letter and resume to Kelly Key at kelly@leapforlocalfood.org  or drop them off at The LEAP Hub at 1027 Patterson Ave. SW, Roanoke.
If assistance is needed with the application process, reach out to Kelly Key (kelly@leapforlocalfood.org or 540-492-5311).