Interns and families at Intervale point to hands-on learning and role models for children

The Focus crew spoke with interns Alyssa Lovell and Mara Coben and with parent Bonnie Acker about on-farm education. Acker brought her two-year-old daughter, Dia, who participates in planting and harvesting and whose daily exposure to the farm informed her food choices, Acker said.

Alyssa and Mara described taking internships to learn business and ecological aspects of community farming. Alyssa said greenhouse starts, storage crops and building a root cellar help extend the season and allow the farm to offer winter shares. Acker described the value of children seeing farmers and farm tasks up close: the segment showed a young child practicing basic repair and planting skills and the host noted Alyssa driving the tractor as a visible role model.

Why it matters: interviewees said early hands-on farm experience encourages healthier eating habits and strengthens community bonds. The interns framed their work as both vocational training and community service.

Source and provenance: On-site interviews with interns and a parent recorded as part of Focus' Intervale series.