Spring Internship – Prison & Jail Food Policy

Center for Science in the Public Interest

. Support advocacy efforts to improve food and nutrition in prisons and jails .

Posted 11/10/2026internshipRemote • Washington • United StatesEntry Level💰 $18 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong research and writing skills to develop science-based advocacy materials while effectively collaborating with cross-departmental teams. Possesses a keen understanding of food systems, nutrition, and health equity within institutional settings.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Research SkillsWriting SkillsFood Systems KnowledgeHealth Equity InterestAttention To Detail

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Literature ReviewData AnalysisDesk ResearchAdvocacy Strategy DevelopmentTechnical Assistance

Soft Skills

Independent WorkTask ManagementCollaboration

Industry Keywords

Institutional Food ServiceCarceral SystemPublic HealthPublic PolicyNutrition

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support advocacy efforts to improve food and nutrition in prisons and jails
Work within the Institutional Food Purchasing and Service team with cross-departmental staff
Support state/local policy and industry accountability campaign goals
Conduct research to inform advocacy materials
Provide technical assistance to subgrantee partners
Attend coalition meetings
Develop science-based materials, including literature reviews, fact sheets, letters, and talking points
Support the Carceral Nutrition Community of Practice, including researching and conducting outreach to potential new members
Conduct desk research to inform advocacy strategy and materials
Track relevant bills and conduct landscape analyses of organizations and collaboration opportunities
Analyze resources for accommodating culturally preferred and faith-based diets in institutional food service settings

Requirements

What you’ll need

Currently enrolled in a relevant undergraduate or graduate degree program (master’s or doctoral), e.g., food systems, nutrition, public health, public policy
Familiarity with institutional and/or carceral food service a plus
Excellent research and writing skills
Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and summarize information from credible sources, including peer-reviewed research
Exceptional attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage tasks appropriately to achieve project goals
Interest in health equity and social justice
Submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and two professional references
Individuals directly impacted by the carceral system are encouraged to apply

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid internship
Structured work experiences
Opportunity to gain knowledge of the policy-making process and the role science plays
Participation in group meetings and strategy brainstorming sessions
Opportunity to develop research and communication skills with science, policy, legislative and outreach experts
Meetings with staff at all levels to discuss career roles and paths
Remote work within the US
Opportunity to work from the DC office if desired