2026 Fall Healthy Food Access Internship

About CSPI

CSPI is one of the nation’s leading public health advocacy organizations with a 50-year record of fighting for science in the public interest and working to improve the food environment for all. We’ve led efforts to win passage of many state and local policies to improve school foods, put calories on chain restaurant menus and menu boards, and remove sugary drinks from children’s menus. National policy successes include the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act; Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act; Food Safety Modernization Act; and Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act.

About the Internship Opportunity

The Healthy Food Access intern will be part of a team that works to strengthen the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), the charitable food system, and other food safety net programs to better meet the nutritional needs and preferences of all people seeking food assistance. The Healthy Food Access team is seeking an intern to support policy research, advocacy, and coalition work focused on protecting and strengthening the charitable food system and SNAP.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct a literature reviews on the charitable food system and disaster food assistance
• Monitor and track state and federal legislation related to policy priorities, including SNAP restrictions and farm to food bank
• Research and track state evaluation plans for SNAP restriction waivers
• Support the Nutrition, Policy, & Food Banking workgroup including coordinating speakers and outreach to members
• Support the planning of hill visits and in-person convening

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a public health, nutrition, or related graduate degree program (master’s or doctoral)
• Excellent research and writing skills with ability to read, analyze, interpret, and summarize public health and nutrition research
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage tasks appropriately to achieve project goals
• Interest in health equity, nutrition security, and food policy
• Leadership, organizing, or community engagement experience is a plus

Pay and Schedule

CSPI pays interns $18.40 per hour. Our 10-week spring intern program is part-time (10 hours per week). The ideal start date is late August/early September, but we will work with applicants if there’s a schedule conflict. The internship program is remote within the US, with the opportunity to work from our DC office if desired.