At Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, we’re committed to empowering individuals through sustainable agriculture. The launch of our Agriculture Apprenticeship Program this February marks a ripe opportunity for us to offer more hands-on training in farming, helping participants gain valuable skills through on-the-job training and related instruction to promote nutrition security in our community.
The Food Shuttle Farm teaches self-sufficiency by training individuals in farming practices, providing them with the tools to thrive in sustainable agriculture careers. We also offer workforce development opportunities, such as our Culinary Apprenticeship Program, which helps individuals build culinary careers while earning continuing education credits. The new Agriculture Apprenticeship Program expands our efforts to train the next generation of professionals by adding career pathways in sustainable agriculture.
Partnering with CEFS for Success
In 2023, the Food Shuttle Farm became an approved host farm for two registered apprenticeship programs of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), a collaboration of NC State and NC A&T Cooperative Extension: the apprenticeships includes Sustainable Vegetable Production (SVP) and the Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship (VFA), providing structured, hands-on training in sustainable farming practices along with related instruction provided by authorized educational institutions.
CEFS VFA Coordinator Sara Kidd says, "The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is excited to have Inter-Faith Food Shuttle as a host farm for our registered apprenticeship programs. As Coordinator for the Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship, I recognize the significance of connecting apprentices with experienced, dedicated mentors who are passionate about training new farmers. Jeremy’s enthusiasm to contribute his ideas and expertise to the Food Shuttle Farm is truly inspiring, and I am confident he will gain invaluable hands-on experience working alongside exceptional mentors. This collaboration not only nurtures the next generation of skilled farmers but also deepens our commitment to advancing workforce development in small to medium-scale sustainable farming operations."
Meet Our Farm Mentor and Apprentice
We’re excited to introduce Kristen Sommerfeld, the new Farm Manager who serves as the Food Shuttle Farm mentor. Kristen’s background in agriculture and education makes her the ideal mentor for our apprentices. "I am thrilled to be coming on board in parallel with the launch of the Agriculture Apprenticeship Program. My education is in production agriculture, but my post education experiences in agricultural education are what really ignited my passion for this work. Growing and sharing dignified food is powerful; pairing that with opportunities to learn self-sufficiency and food sovereignty is transformative. The Agriculture Apprenticeship Program allows us to pour ourselves more fully into the work of building equitable, sustainable, nutrition-secure communities," Kristen shares.
Jeremy Sewell, a participant in the VFA, joined the team as the Agriculture Apprentice this February. Jeremy, a veteran turned aspiring farmer, is gaining skills to start his own farm and contribute to food security. Jeremy shares, “as I transition into the next phase of life, the prospect of furthering my knowledge and skillset in regenerative agriculture practices alongside fellow ecologically minded stewards of the land is exhilarating. As a veteran, self-less service is one of my core values. I see that value lived out in front of me every day at the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle Farm.
“I have a deep passion for partnering with the land to produce nutrient dense foods to enhance the health of my family – a passion that was deepened when my wife was going through health issues modern medicine was not able to treat; however, indigenous wisdom and the Reishi mushroom were. I am beyond grateful for this apprenticeship opportunity. My goal is to gain the experience necessary to share food with my community on a larger scale in hopes that one day I can then pass my wisdom on to others, and we may all realize the health outcomes when we ‘let food be thy medicine.’”
The Agriculture Apprenticeship Program not only boosts the capacity of our farm staff but also strengthens our workforce development initiatives, growing nutrition security in our community. By equipping apprentices with sustainable agriculture skills, we’re investing in a healthier, more self-sufficient future.