Program Dates
May 19th, 2026 – August 7th, 2026
About Wakefern
Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Fairway Markets®, Gourmet Garage®, and Morton Williams® banners.
Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best in class procurement practices.
Your contribution
If you are a student who is pursuing an education in Food Science, Food Engineering, Quality Assurance, Quality Control Management, or other related fields, these internship opportunities may be a great fit for you! Wakefern prides itself in being the industry leader in Logistics and Distribution. Our organization currently services over 400+ retail stores throughout the northeast. The Logistics Infrastructure includes 9 warehouses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, housing 4 million square feet of warehouse space. Wakefern’s fleet of over 2000 trailers ship approximately 1.4 million cases daily while traveling 52,000,000 miles per year! This sophisticated operation utilizes state of the art technology to meet the needs of our more than 8 million customers.
Own Brands track:
The Own Brands Intern will assist supervisors with overseeing the evaluations of the Wakefern Own Brands Products including Bowl&Basket®, Paperbird®, and Wholesome Pantry Organic® lines. Performing duties in a lab environment, interns will be learning the first-hand experience of testing and evaluating products to uphold our standards that go along state and national guidelines.
What you will do
• Assist in sensory evaluations on Own Brands products on site or in another Wakefern Building
• Evaluate and write up Own Brands products against written specifications and targeted products for sensory and quality attributes to determine if an item is approved or rejected based on internal standards. Conduct appropriate follow-up procedures when standards are not met.
• Perform inventory management and logistics of product samples
• Calibrate and maintain lab equipment to keep everything running smoothly
• Assist the lab on preparing lab samples for specialists to evaluate
• Coordinate the communication of approved/rejected Own Brands products to the internal Own Brands Team
• Assist in coordinating and conducting product cuttings, formal presentations or other activities for Own Brands products
• Understands application of scientific methods to experimental design and problem solving to assist project teams
• Compiles and summarizes results of routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment and communicates results
• Assist in transfer of Technology process.
• Review supplier compliance documentation
• Handle multiple and varied projects/tasks simultaneously and within required time schedules
• Be assigned projects to strengthen knowledge of department.
• Interns will be based out of one of the following warehouse locations and may work one of the following shifts:
Northern Perishables – Elizabeth, NJ
8:30AM - 4:30PM Monday through Friday
What we are looking for
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have completed 24 college credits with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better
• Will be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school for fall
• Successful completion of a substance abuse test is required
• Successful completion of a background check is required
• Valid driver's license and flexibility with regard to travel required
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and customer service skills with the ability to multitask and manage time effectively
• Excellent communication skills (written, oral and presentation)
• Strong MS Office skills (Excel, Word and PowerPoint required)
• Ability to exhibit proper business etiquette when dealing with all levels of the organization
• Previous work experience in a retail environment is beneficial
• Work 40 hours a week Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm which may include holidays.
Company Perks
• Vibrant Food Centric Culture
• Corporate Training and Development University
• Collaborative Team Environment
• Educational Workshops
• Networking Opportunities
• Volunteer Opportunities
Compensation and Benefits:
First year Wakefern Interns will be paid at $17.00 per hour. Returning Wakefern Interns will be paid at $18.00 per hour. Master Students and Returning Wakefern Supply Chain/Logistic Interns will be paid at $19.00 per hour. Interns are not eligible for company benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match & annual company contribution, paid time off and holidays.
