Meet OGC Mission Fund Recipient: FOOD for Lane County Youth Farm

FOOD for Lane County Youth Farm is a five-acre urban educational farm in north Springfield operating as a program of FOOD for Lane County, a nonprofit at the heart of food security in the region.

Each summer, 10 to 15 teens come to grow – in many ways. They earn a wage and gain job skills and training in gardening, leadership, financial management, and nutrition while learning to grow organic produce for a 180+ member CSA program and two produce stands. Half of the crop grown on the farm goes to the food bank to support neighbors in need.

One of last year’s program participants remarked, “The farm has helped me grow in more ways than I know, and I am very proud of myself.  There is a learning experience for every person, and it is a place to appreciate food.”

Many of the students come from low-income backgrounds, and the skills learned in this program help set them up for long-term success. In 2022, the team grew over 130,000 pounds of organic food and led 33 classes, 17 demonstrations and 60 tours for the public. OGC awarded an unrestricted Mission Fund grant to support the Youth Farm.

“Gifts from generous supporters like Organically Grown Company help power all aspects of program operations from equipment, supplies, and youth farm wages,” said Ted Purdy, Youth Farm Coordinator for FOOD for Lane County. “The opportunity to earn wages can empower youth by providing them with financial resources and self-confidence. FFLC is working on solving the root causes of some societal challenges, such as the cycle of poverty. FFLC depends on partners like OGC to make possible programs like the Youth Farm.”

FOOD for Lane County Youth Farm is just one of the many organizations OGC’s Mission Fund supported in 2022. Find a list of all our recent grant recipients at https://www.organicgrown.com/blog/2022missionfundgiving.