Download an Application: Intern & LIV Application (Word Document)

WHRI trains individuals who feel called to address hunger through agriculture and food systems locally and around the world. Interns work and study for one year on our 40-acre farm in central Texas, followed by an optional three-month experience working with one of our partners around the world.

Goals of Our Internship Program

• Develop skills in sustainable agricultural production and problem-solving.
• Learn approaches to community development, cross-cultural communication, and adult education.
• Develop a holistic approach to Christian missions.
• Understand the socio-political contexts of world hunger and identify appropriate Christian responses.
• Become familiar with food technology, nutrition and health issues.

How Interns Learn

The WHRI farm produces organic vegetables, milk, eggs, and meat for sale in the local market. Interns are, therefore, involved in all aspects of running a working farm (planning, production, research, marketing, etc.). We try as much as possible to utilize production techniques appropriate to developing-world settings. These include composting, cover cropping, biointensive integrated pest management, drip irrigation, multi-species rotational grazing, pastured poultry, etc.

Food Systems Interns lead school tours and Service Learning groups on our farm, teach classes, and speak to church and community groups. Food System Interns also participate in general farm work (including weekend duty on a rotating basis) and sell at the Farmers Market on Saturdays (on a rotating basis).  Those interns who choose to participate in the optional international internship will be encouraged to raise support through fund-raising activities. Interns may also choose to learn skills in animal traction through a one-month exchange agreement with Tillers International in Kalamazoo, MI.

To supplement their practical learning, interns attend classroom lessons two afternoons per week. Curriculum for these lessons covers a broad range of topics, but centers on sustainable agriculture, food policy, and (optional-for-AmeriCorps-members) Christian Missions. Field trips are also organized to other farms, and interns are encouraged to attend conferences, and workshops around the country. Click here to view the current class schedule.

What They Receive

WHRI provides interns with housing, utilities and staple foods. We try as much as possible to consume food produced on the farm including vegetables, fruit, grains, legumes, meat, eggs, milk, cheese & yogurt. Since some of this production is seasonal, it is supplemented by purchased staples. Non-staple foods may be purchased at the intern’s expense. We are located around 1 mile from a grocery store and post office and approximately 7 miles from downtown Waco.

In keeping with our emphasis on sustainable living, intern housing is simple but adequate. Our dormitory houses up to 15 single interns and volunteers. In addition, we have limited housing for families. The dorm has a communal kitchen, and residents work together to keep the facility clean and healthful.

A stipend of approximately $500/month is provided through AmeriCorps. Interns should plan to reserve a portion of this stipend for basic health insurance, which is required for all interns.  It will be up to the intern to secure their own insurance, though we can offer assistance in figuring out which insurance policy may be best-suited for you.

Intern assistants are assigned management responsibilities and have coordination responsibility in one of three areas:

• Volunteers
• Local Education (Tours and Service Learning)
• School Gardening

Daily Schedule

How to Apply

Download the Intern Application at the top of this page,  and email inquiries  or questions to our Training Manager. You may email your completed application to our Training Manager (trainingmanager@worldhungerrelief.org).

We are always accepting applications to the Food Systems Internship, and fill these positions as spots open up. Because these particular positions begin in the summer (June/July), we recommend that applications be submitted to our Training Manager in the fall prior to an applicant’s desired start date.

You can also mail or fax your application:

Mail
World Hunger Relief, Inc.
P.O. Box 639
Elm Mott TX 76640

Fax
254-799-5611.