If you live in Seattle and are planning to go to the University Farmer’s Market tomorrow, you might want to buy some of your vegetables from Seattle Youth Garden Works, a local non-profit training program which empowers homeless, low-income, and under served youth through garden-based education and employment. They’re at the U-District Market every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, and as an additional fundraiser this season, they’re offering locally roasted and slow brewed cuppajoes in individual servings on market day.
As part of Seattle Tilth, Seattle Youth Garden Works combine agriculture and enterprise to create a practical and meaningful employment experience for youth. People from diverse backgrounds come together to grow food, and in the process develop personal connections to the food system. They participate in an 8 to 12 week entrepreneurial job training program emphasizing innovation and responsibility, where they grow, package, and sell produce at farmers markets and local restaurants, participating in all aspects of the food system and gaining a range of employment skills. Graduates have opportunities to pursue internships with Seattle Tilth’s other programs and with partner organizations that build on the skills learned at Seattle Youth Garden Works. This mission sounds phenomenal, and when I make it to the University location next Saturday, I’ll be showing my support.
Seattle Tilth inspires and educates people to garden organically, conserve natural resources and support local food systems in order to cultivate a healthy urban environment and community. Their vision is to transform the Northwest region into the organic gardening capital of the world. They also have a ton of classes for us adults too. People doing great things, ground up.
