As we strive to serve as a catalyst for regional transformation, we recognize that food is one area of need: eight percent of Racine County (mostly within the city of Racine) is considered a food desert, which means residents have inadequate access to affordable fresh food. We know that what we eat and where it comes from has profound ramifications. The Racine Area Farm Corps program addresses these issues of food justice, hunger, and sustainability in our community.

The Racine Area Farm Corps program’s key objectives of growing food, educating future generations, and caring for the farm animals continues to be integral to our organizations health and curriculum. Our ability to weave the garden and it’s bounty into field trips, summer camps, and school programs helps to connect interns with their communities, connect them to their local food systems, and expose them to healthy food that results in healthy eating habits. Respect and responsibility for the animals and the earth are instilled in the program as we share the whole life cycle of healthy soil through the growing of plants and the harvesting of fresh, nutritional meals.

Modeled after the successful Prairie Farm Corps in Grayslake, IL, Racine Area Farm Corps began by employing a crew of high school students led by college-aged crew leaders who worked on the farm in the summer season. In recent years we have transitioned away from a full crew of high school students and into a crew of adults seeking to gain experience in agriculture and related fields. The Farm Corps Program was successfully led by Dawn DeMuyt for many years and in September, 2022 passed the torch to Aubrey and Alex

2024 Farm Corps Internship: 

The Eco-Justice Center looks to carry its environmental stewardship into the future by equipping tomorrow’s leaders with the skill necessary to sustain a vibrant local food movement. The program is seeking energetic adults to intern for the growing season and learn small-scale market gardening through our sustainable local food and farming initiative program.  Participants will grow, cook, promote, and market healthy food raised on an educational farm. 2024 Farm Corps Internship Application The Farm Corp season runs from late May until mid-August. Applications are accepted starting in February with interviews being held at the end of March. If you are interested in the program and have questions, please email Aubrey at aubrey@ecojusticecenter.org.