The Farm & Food Systems Fellowship, based in Altoona, IA, is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of advocates and educators for a fair and sustainable food system. This transformative program empowers participants to engage deeply with organic food system education through hands-on experiences at our farm in Highland County, VA. We are committed to making this Fellowship accessible, as we do not charge tuition fees. Over the course of six months, selected Fellows immerse themselves in practical training, which includes growing and distributing diversified crops, implementing innovative health care educational sessions, maintaining community and school gardens, and supporting direct-to-consumer programs. Following this period of learning, a Community Action Year allows Fellows to collaborate with regional non-profit organizations, putting their knowledge into action to enhance community food access and support food coalition activities. Applications are open until March, with the fellowship experience typically running from May to October each year.