Last Spring I had the opportunity to visit Food Works, a youth-run farm on Sauvie Island that pretty much blew my mind. What these kids are doing is so inspiring. What first started as a tiny 20′ by 20′ neighborhood plot by some parents aiming to keep their kids out of trouble in a low-income housing development in North Portland has grown into a full-fledged youth employment project now in it’s 12th year.
Food Works sells produce at farmers markets and to restaurants. They have a CSA. They sell their food at the associated Village Market, Portland’s first non-profit healthy corner store. The crew donates produce and volunteers at hunger relief organizations. They give public cooking demos to inspire and educate people about using fresh produce. And they do it ALL with very limited guidance or help--they have just a couple program supervisors--but have remained the driving force behind all their activities. Amazing.
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You forgot to mention fashionable: the boots match the kale. This is an inspiring story. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. You don't post often, but when you do...ooh la la.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Ricki! The stylist in me couldn't resist making her pose by the purple kale. What you can't see is that not only does she have purple wellies and a purple sweatshirt, she also had a purple manicure. I really need to color coordinate with my garden better!
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