LEAP interns play a vital role in helping LEAP to fulfill our mission, helping to build and nurture our local food community. Interning with LEAP is 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. Learn more about LEAP at leapforlocalfood.org.

LEAP 2026 Summer Internship Applications are now open! 

Applications are due by April 15th.

Summer internship runs from May 15th–August 15th.

Types of Internships: 

LEAP Interns work across LEAP to gain hands-on, real-world experience working with a nonprofit organization that works in the local food system. Interns focus on one or more programs for the duration of their internship season (listed below). 

Food Access Internship

Description: Work in one or more of LEAP’s programs, aimed at improving local food access while supporting local farmers. LEAP programs include the Mobile Market, Kitchen, Community Gardens, and Food Hub.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Gained: Aspects of food seasonality and complex food system challenges in SWVA, working with diverse communities, food safety, and customer service.

Communications Internship

Description: Get experience with behind-the-scenes nonprofit work by supporting different aspects of digital communication and marketing, social media, data entry, photography, writing, and more.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Gained: Internal and external communication practices and systems, including Canva, spreadsheets, google suite, and nonprofit volunteer and data management systems.

Requirements:

• Interest in food systems, food access, and/or local agriculture
• Ability to follow directions and work thoroughly and efficiently
• Ability to work independently
• Strong attention to detail and and well-organized
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Inquisitive, open-minded, and sensitive to diverse cultural experiences
• Physical ability and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and lift 40 pounds (select programs)
• Interest and comfort working with computers and various software (communications)

How Interns Support LEAP Programs

LEAP Mobile Market: Interns support the market operators with set up/break down, stocking, and customer service. The Mobile Market brings fresh, nutritious food options to communities with limited options or transportation barriers.

LEAP Community Gardens: Interns support the Community Gardens Manager in maintaining gardens (weeding, mulching, mowing, planting). Community Gardens are vital spaces for community members to be outdoors and connect with where their food comes from.

LEAP Processing Kitchen: Interns assist the Kitchen Manager in turning local produce into partially or fully prepared foods we make available on the Mobile Market and the LEAP Community Store. This program rescues food from waste and increases local food access.

Communications: Interns support LEAP programs with internal and external communications needs, including data and asset management, content collection and graphics creation, and storytelling to LEAP audiences. Communications are an important part of building community and awareness around local food. 

Food Hub: The Food Hub accepts food orders from farmers, does quality control across food hub programs, maintains inventory and waste logs, is where we pack food, and perform general facilities maintenance. Learn about day to day operations of a food hub.

How LEAP Internships Work

LEAP internships are unpaid, seasonal positions that are designed to fit around each intern’s schedule and interests. LEAP supervisors are happy to fill out paperwork to provide service hours or class credit requirements. 

• Interns apply, indicating which type of internship and which programs are of most interest. 
• LEAP matches interns with program work, depending on availability and interest. 
• Interns are scheduled to work with LEAP programs through the season. 
• LEAP completes an exit interview with each intern to reflect on the internship experience. 

Application windows and deadlines: 

• Spring Internship: February 15-May15, apply by January 15
• Summer Internship: May 15-August 15, apply by April 15 (now open)
• Fall Internship: August 15-November 15, apply by July 15
• Winter Internship: November 15-February 15, apply by October 15

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To Apply:

Please complete the 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 you have questions, reach out to Kelly Key.