Reed’s Farm Program Spotlight: This Season’s Internships

Our interns from this past summer, Liam (left) and Mia (right).

Melanie Reed has been the Program Director at Reed's Farm since 2020. Originally from New York, Melanie relocated to Atlantic County to serve in this position. Melanie received her degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability from Cornell University, and she is currently completing a certificate program from Rutgers University on Developmental Disabilities. Melanie previously worked in youth environmental education, urban agriculture, and therapeutic horticulture in New York City jails. Through her career, Melanie aims to expand opportunities for environmental education, food security, and promoting wellbeing through engagement with nature.

Jenny Reed is the Community Program Manager at Reed’s Farm, where she has proudly worked for over two years. Before joining the team at Reed’s, Jenny served with FoodCorps NJ, where she worked with a local school district to increase access to fresh, local produce in school cafeterias and care for on-site gardens. Her passion for food justice, environmental education, and community engagement has continued to grow ever since.

Together, Melanie and Jenny lead our educational and vocational programs at the farm! They lead weekly sessions through partnerships with local schools, youth organizations, and community organizations. Through their programs, they maintain vibrant garden spaces and facilitate meaningful opportunities that connect people with the land and with one another. They have a strong focus on working with people who have developmental disabilities and are passionate about helping participants build life and job skills that can support them in their futures.

Their weekly program models include work-based learning, supported employment, volunteer days, field trips, agricultural education, and internships. They are especially proud to have helped several program participants gain jobs at the farm, and find deep fulfillment in working with people long-term to watch them grow in confidence, skills, and within their communities. They thrive on creating welcoming, hands-on experiences that bring people closer to nature, the food system, and each other.

Melanie and Jenny are sisters, but they are actually not related to the original Reed's Farm family - which is a funny coincidence they find themselves explaining to people regularly.

This past summer, the Reed’s Farm team had the pleasure of hosting interns at the farm as part of our vocational program. We were excited to welcome Mia and Liam, whose presences had a wonderful impact at the farm.

Mia P. worked in both our gardens and our market this summer - this was actually Mia's second summer working at Reed's Farm! Mia also participated in our work-based learning program in partnership with her high school. When Mia isn't working at the farm, she also has a second job at The Other Lucy and participates in Special Olympics Track!

"I am so grateful that my daughter had the opportunity to work at Reed’s Farm this summer! I saw firsthand how the hands-on learning in such a positive inclusive environment has built her confidence and skills. She feels less apprehensive about going into the work force and I credit her success to Reed’s Farm and all those involved with her development and training.” – Lisa, Mia’s parent

“I like coming to the farm because I get to meet new people. My favorite thing to do at Reed’s Farm is to work at the baked goods counter. Something that has changed for me since coming to Reed’s Farm is that I'm becoming a hard worker!”

–Mia, intern

Liam A. worked in our gardens this summer, after demonstrating his interest in garden work through a partnership with his school's work-based learning program. Liam particularly loves weeding and seed saving, and he is a very motivated gardener. Liam is also very involved in his community's karate scene, and impressed many farm employees with his karate moves!

“What has struck me as a parent is seeing Liam’s sense of responsibility… His pride is as if he became an adult overnight. The experience also comforted me knowing that he’ll be okay out in the world. In my eyes this program is very important. The relationships that he’s built with his coworkers, he’s very–I don’t know if proud is the right word, but he feels like he’s just like everybody else. I don’t know how to put that into words. But when he says “my coworkers” you can see how his chest puffs up. It has definitely helped Liam with his communication skills as well. A great program… a great experience!”

–Lynn, Liam’s parent

“I worked hard this summer! I worked on gardening, watering, composting, transplanting, seed saving, planting seeds–and my favorite task was weeding! I made the farm better and I enjoyed the peace and quiet.”

–Liam, intern

We are so grateful for the hard work of our interns over the summer season, and look forward to seeing what they do next!