Pineapple, mango, kiwi, and strawberries for 80 students? I didn’t want to blow all my grant money on the second week of garden club, and I couldn’t find a grocery store in town willing to donate that much pricey produce. I had no idea how I would be able to pull off this lesson.

Though each child was in the vicinity of a desk or chair, most were reaching and moving, talking with friends, or poking each other. The rare seat held a child sitting quietly, removed from the din, reading a book.

I was terrified.

As soon as they’re accepted, new FoodCorps AmeriCorps service members spend a week at National Orientation, where they learn to teach kids how to cook and grow healthy food. Even after service, FoodCorps offers alumni opportunities to continue their education in related fields, such as policy and school food leadership. These three alumni credit FoodCorps trainings with supporting their current careers.