REAP Food Group Food Systems Advocacy, Engagement & Nonprofit Leadership Internship
Nonprofit Description/ Who We Are
REAP Food Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Madison, Wisconsin that supports actions and policies for a thriving food system where everyone has equitable access to wholesome, local, sustainable food. REAP does this by:
- Advocating for policies that support an equitable and environmentally sustainable local food system that drives social and environmental justice, improved health, and economic development;
- Creating and supporting markets, infrastructure, and strategies that connect local farmers to institutional and individual buyers;
- Amplifying community-led solutions to overcome structural barriers to accessing local food through the intentional inclusion of diverse voices; and
- Celebrating with the community through events that highlight Dane County’s and southern Wisconsin’s abundance of wholesome, locally grown and raised food.
Responsibilities/What You’ll Do
REAP Food Group is seeking a passionate, self-motivated intern to support the administrative and logistical operations of a nonprofit organization, as well as provide communications and event planning support for the Healthy School Meals for All Wisconsin (HSM4A WI) Coalition, co-led by REAP Farm to School.
This paid, for-credit internship offers hands-on experience at the intersection of nonprofit development, communications, and advocacy. The intern will report to Allison Pfaff Harris, REAP Farm to School Director, and gain exposure to a wide range of work, including development, communications, event planning, and advocacy. They will also have guided opportunities to engage with REAP supporters, donors, chefs, board members, and farmers.
This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in nonprofit administration, food systems, communications, donor engagement, and advocacy. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage day-to-day tasks while contributing to broader, long-term goals.
Specific responsibilities will vary based on organizational priorities and summer needs. The REAP Food Group Food Systems Advocacy, Engagement & Nonprofit Leadership Intern may:
- Support marketing, communications, and outreach strategies to engage donors and supporters across social media and email platforms
- Assist with logistics for fundraising and friendraising events
- Maintain the donor database and generate reports on gifts and donor engagement
- Collaborate with REAP staff to support efforts to build a more resilient local food system
- Provide direct support to the Healthy School Meals for All Wisconsin (HSM4A WI) Coalition by:
- Assisting with and developing communications, coalition messaging, and outreach to promote HSM4A WI and school meal programs statewide, to increase engagement among students, families, and communities
- Helping organize and coordinate future coalition events
- Researching outreach opportunities and school meal policies (state and national)
- Supporting youth and student advocacy efforts
For-Credit Internship Requirements:
- Be enrolled in one of the following majors in the UW-Madison School of Human Ecology: Community Organizational Development, Human Development & Family Studies, Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies, Interior Architecture, Personal Finance, or Textiles and Fashion Design
- Junior standing or above (54+ credits completed)
- Work a minimum of 150 hours with the internship site (150 hours paid)
- Complete the required hours in the term credit is received
Minimum Qualifications/Keys to Success
- Personable, flexible, and self-motivated
- Passionate about food justice
- Experience interacting with socially, economically, racially, and/or ethnically diverse populations
Desired Qualifications
- Administrative experience, including mailings, database management, or creation of standard operating procedures
- Experience in education, nutrition, environmental science, or agriculture
- Experience working with youth and families
- Experience and background in nonprofit and community organizations
- Knowledge of social media trends and analytics
- Bilingual in English and Spanish and/or English and Hmong
- Preference is given to students who have not yet completed their internship requirement in SoHE
Location and Hours
This is a part-time, hourly position paid at a rate of $18/hour for a total of 150 hours for the Summer 2026 semester, with an average of 18-19 hours per week. This position includes a mix of virtual work and required in-person time at REAP Food Group (3241 Garver Green, #240, Madison, WI), as well as occasional work at other locations throughout Madison and the surrounding communities, with the intern typically providing their own means of transportation. If at community events, this internship may require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and the ability to traverse potentially uneven event location terrain.
Application Procedures and Deadline to Apply:
Please submit a resume and a letter of interest that details your personal and professional strengths for this internship on Handshake. Applications are due Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT
REAP Food Group is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to apply. REAP Food Group does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, mental or physical disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by law.