The Youth Center Food Bank Garden

Challenges Entered:

Our kids will learn first hand the value of composted soil, natural fertilization techniques and organic pest control. They will grow their food from the bottom up and will appreciate the sin of waste by having a better understanding of what goes into the food-making process. They will learn about hunger and how to help others through sustainable farming and philanthropic organizations, such as "Grow-a-Row," which will take the kids' harvest directly to area food banks for the needy. The kids will also learn first hand about the value of proper exercise,nutrition and wellness, and they will develop a better sense of respect for themselves, each other and their environment.

What else have you done in this area of work?

This is our first year working on an environmental program, although we have always been advocates for conservation and proper nutrition. Our organization has been here for 38 years, and we have reached out to the needy populations of Hunterdon and Warren counties, providing their children with camp, preschool and day care opportunities, regardless of their ability to pay. We have opened our doors through "Teen Night" programs for area teens and preteens, and we partner with other agencies to provide many services to kids and families in the area.

Project Details

Project url:

http://theyouthcenter.net

Project video:

Supporting organization:

Grow-a-Row, United Way

Project Assessment

Financial support:

Project has financial support

Project goals:

Our goal at The Youth Center summer environmental "green" camp is to teach kids that they can make a positive difference in their world by hands-on experience with their food, health, exercise and nutrition. They will begin by composting their own scraps, which they will use in their own garden. They will grow vegetables and learn about the value of sustainable farming practices and proper nutrition. They will also learn about proper exercise and will work with yoga instructors and nutritionists to learn how to properly care for themselves in a fast-moving world. At the end of the growing season, they will donate their hard-earned harvest to "Grow-a-Row," which will distribute the fresh foods to New Jersey food banks. The kids will learn about making a difference in the lives of others, as well as self-respect and what goes into the food we eat. They will develop an appreciation of nature through nature walks and canoeing trips with the parks department, and they will think twice before putting "garbage" foods into their bodies, as they will understand the process by which things become nutritious and nurturing.

Identified Obstacles:

We are in need of a new camp software program, as well as a garden tool shed and a trailer to pull harvest baskets.