The Community Food Systems Fellowship, an initiative of Vital Village Networks at Boston Medical Center, is an 18-month leadership development program designed to empower grassroots leaders committed to advancing equitable and resilient local food systems. The fellowship is made possible through funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and supports fellows through community design labs, technical assistance, and peer-based learning. It focuses on participatory engagement, narrative storytelling, and co-design strategies to build community-driven food solutions.
Structured in two distinct phases, the fellowship begins in January 2025 and runs through June 2026. The first phase emphasizes peer learning, collaborative design, and structured group learning, while the second phase provides space for individualized coaching and self-directed project implementation. Fellows also receive a $2,500 stipend for participation, along with the opportunity to apply for up to $2,500 in innovation pilot project funds to support local initiatives aligned with the program’s goals.
Applicants must be U.S.-based and demonstrate a formal partnership with an organization or group engaged in food systems work. Strong candidates are those committed to food justice, community engagement, racial equity, and measuring local impact. The selection process assesses leadership qualities, history of collaboration, and capacity to contribute to a national community of practice. Up to 10 fellows will be selected.
Applications are due by November 8, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Required materials include an application and at least one letter of recommendation, with options for audio, video, or oral intake submissions to ensure accessibility. Interviews with finalists will take place December 8–12, 2025, and selected fellows will be notified later that month. The fellowship officially launches in February 2026 with an in-person kickoff event.
Program highlights include monthly learning sessions, bimonthly check-ins, two community design labs, and participation in the National Community Leadership Summit. Fellows will engage in data storytelling, equity assessment, and collaborative leadership development. The fellowship concludes with a showcase in June 2026, offering fellows the chance to share their learnings and collaborative projects with peers and stakeholders.
Questions can be directed to foodsystems@vitalvillage.org, and the official Request for Applications and FAQ documents are available for detailed guidance.
Emphasize community-rooted leadership, co-design strategies, and prior partnerships in local food systems
