“Youth Grow” through NYC's Laurel Valley Educational Farm

Imagine biting into a juicy piece of fruit after working a few hours in the sun. This year's crews can enjoy crisp organic lettuce, crunchy snow peas and beans, juicy tomatoes, and sweet blueberries, courtesy of young people learning about sustainable agriculture at NYC’s Laurel Valley Educational Farm.

Through NYC's YouthGrow initiative, about 180 young people will plant, maintain, and harvest nearly 4,000 pounds of organic produce to support Youth Corps crews in the field and donate to the local food bank. Youth learn about wiggly worms, warm compost, fish fertilizer, companion planting, and how transportation costs affects the price of imported food.

Productivity will be increased during the next year, thanks to a new greenhouse funded by recent grants to help youth get a “jumpstart” on seed germination each year. At the end of the day, participants can bring vegetables home to their families that they have grown. Through YouthGrow, NYC’s OutDoor High School students will also have an opportunity to try their hand with dehydrator-dried, oven-dried, and sun-dried produce such as fruits, tomatoes, herbs, peppers, and garlic.

Demonstrate your commitment to youth development, healthy food, and this wonderful education resource, by joining Meyer Memorial Trust and Autzen Foundation in support of YouthGrow! Visit our Donate Now page to give conveniently and securely online or contact our Development Department at giving@northwestyouthcorps.org. Thank you!

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