The Farm & Food Systems Fellowship in Rockford, IL, is dedicated to fostering a just and sustainable food system by sponsoring and training passionate individuals to become advocates and educators. Our program offers a comprehensive, no-cost education in organic farming practices while empowering Fellows to engage in hands-on experiences at the Allegheny Farm in Highland County, VA. Over a transformative six-month residency, participants learn to grow and distribute diverse crops, implement innovative health education initiatives, and integrate food and ecological literacy into educational settings. After their fellowship, participants embark on a Community Action Year, collaborating with regional non-profits to extend their impact. We are committed to enhancing food access and supporting community-driven efforts such as farmers markets and school gardens, ensuring that our Fellows emerge as leaders dedicated to advancing food justice and community resilience.