Our Mission
In 2019, St. Pete Youth Farm was established to provide access to nutritious food in South St. Petersburg, FL. We encourage leadership, entrepreneurship and career readiness to develop future leaders in our community.
History of St. Pete Youth Farm
Summer 2020
First Year Complete
Ended the first complete year and second summer with 14 youth interns who stuck with the program through the COVID pandemic and the transitions that were made to keep the engagement going.
Fall 2019
Fall Applications and New Hires
After the success of the pilot program, applications opened up for the Fall with X applicants. The fall programming shifted after receiving feedback from the youth who participated in the summer, along with adjusting to the school schedule.
Summer 2019
Youth Farm Summer Pilot
The program kicked off with 15 youth who participated in a 6-week pilot. Through the program they were exposed to 9 different farms and gardens locally. Youth received training in Leadership and Team Building, Diet and Nutrition, Cooperative Development and of course Farm and Garden Management.
Spring 2019
Application and Outreach
Launched the application process to hire a collaboration manager, 2 Youth Intern Supervisors and 15 Youth Interns. We also hosted a Block Party at the site to gain community input. We received over 80 paper and electronic applications.
Spring 2018
Stakeholder Workshops
65 stakeholders representing 32 different organizations involved in youth development, workforce development, education, and food systems, got together to brainstorm next steps.
Summer 2017
Garden Survey
The City of St. Petersburg partnered with the UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program and TASCO (Teen Arts, Sports, and Cultural Opportunities) recreation programs to conduct a survey. More than 100 surveys responded in support of a garden project.
Sowing Seeds — Growing Leaders
The St. Pete Youth Farm is a welcoming place where young people develop important life skills. This urban farm project encourages creative thinking and personal growth as students learn everything from growing their own food to financial literacy. Through this youth development program, we support the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
We meet throughout the week to learn and practice:
— Planting and harvesting
— Culinary and nutritional skills
— Entrepreneurship and business
— Communication and teamwork
— Leadership
— Character development
— Mental health and mindfulness
— Artistic self-expression
— Explore different career paths
— Resume building and job readiness
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