Hartford Food System’s largest program, Grow Hartford, is in its ninth year of urban agriculture and youth leadership development. This program provides youth education and skills-building over a broad range of ages (8-19 years old) with the production of significant amounts of fresh produce for residents of Hartford, as well as the environmental improvement of blighted city properties. Youth input to Grow Hartford’s program structure and development has been a key element since the program’s inception in 2004. In 2011, we implemented an expansion to a site on Main Street in partnership with the City of Hartford. Our other sites include partnerships with Knox Parks and Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance.
Program Goals
- Increasing awareness of food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and environmental issues among low-income Hartford youth.
- Empowering young people to participate in community action through problem solving, work skills training, and leadership opportunities.
- Encouraging healthy physical activities and increasing awareness of healthy food choices.
- Foster community action related to food security, sustainable agriculture, and the environment.
- Providing low-income Hartford residents with convenient access to local, sustainably produced fruits and vegetables.
- Demonstrating viability of sustainable urban agriculture.