Urban Roots is a truly special farm that focuses on bridging the gap between our youth and farm culture. Their work involves teaching high school students about the importance of farming and leadership, helping us build more sustainable food communities and strengthening our future leaders.
We were lucky enough to connect with the team at Urban Roots to dig a bit deeper into why this connection is so important.
Field Guide: How are farming and youth leadership connected at Urban Roots?
Urban Roots: We believe farming is a beautiful opportunity for youth to experience the tangible results of their efforts. While they learn to partner with nature to grow food – learning about the farm’s ecosystem, practicing regenerative farming methods – they also partner with their peers to lead volunteers in that work. Youth have a unique opportunity to practice their developing knowledge and skills by leading adults in farm tasks, and we really encourage volunteers to lean into being led by teenagers. It’s a growth opportunity for everyone! Youth also practice other food-inspired skills – cooking the food they grow, learning about the food system and the inequities within that system. While we don’t expect that all youth will become farmers or food justice activists, we do know that they will purchase and cook food for themselves and their families. Our programs are designed to equip youth with the knowledge and skills needed to be positive change-makers. And we believe that the confidence they gain, and the relationships they foster with the land, their peers, and their community will ground them as they grow.
Field Guide: Do the youth have experience with farming before they join the Urban Roots program?
Urban Roots: While some youth come to Urban Roots with an interest in or experience tending a home garden or even a small family farm, no experience is necessary to participate in either our youth leadership programs or for community volunteers. A willingness to be in the fresh air, to get a little dirt under their fingernails, and to connect with nature and with others on the farm are our only prerequisites. There is a place for everyone on our farm, whether a person has never been on a working farm, or they have their own home garden.
Field Guide: Do you see your graduates continue working or volunteering in the food system space?
Urban Roots: High school students have the opportunity to participate in a three-tiered leadership program, and that includes chances to repeat a level in a peer leadership role. While the program isn’t designed to train youth as farmers, our hope is that as they grow with us youth feel more connected to the land and to the food they eat, as well as gain an understanding of the food system and food insecurity. Historically, as many as 90-100% of youth report on surveys that they plan to volunteer to increase food access in their communities in the future. And for those who want to do that with Urban Roots, we offer alumni engagement and volunteer opportunities that range from applying as an Apprentice to serving as a Community Ambassador. We feel especially lucky that three of our current staff – including George, who is representing Urban Roots at the festival – participated in at least one of our youth programs before joining the team full time.
Field Guide: What is Urban Roots focused on this year, and how can the community support your goals?
Urban Roots: We will host our biggest group yet of high school youth for our summer farm program this year, during one of our busiest harvest seasons. So the farm will be busy – busy and joyful! We will also expand programming onto our South Farm as the infrastructure in that space continues to develop. The best way to support our goals is to come out and volunteer with us. We truly rely on youth and volunteers to grow the food that we share through our community-led food distribution program Hojas. Folks can also follow us on social media – heart us or comment to amplify our message, sign up for our newsletter, spread the word – our favorite way to outreach – and of course, as a nonprofit, funding support is appreciated too.
You can find Urban Roots at Field Guide Festival on April 27 paired with Susana Querejazu from Lutie’s! If you haven’t picked up your tickets to the fest, get them here.