Philadelphia’s Youth Learns about Urban Agriculture

It is often hard for teenagers, especially in cities, to acquire jobs where they develop future life skills. Teens 4 Good recognizes this, and was established (in 2005) to help teenagers in Philadelphia rise out of poverty and learn job skills.

Teens 4 Good is a program of the Federation of Neighborhood Centers that is supported by ARAMARK Building Community. The program focuses on turning vacant lots into farms, and giving at-risk youth opportunities to hold important jobs and acquire vital skills.

Teens in the program learn about the entire food system. They not only learn hard work, but they also develop entrepreneurial skills that translate into all areas of life. The program starts with manual labor, showing teens the value of commitment, work, and a little bit of sweat. These skills are then incorporated with science and entrepreneurship education, art, meditation and community building events. Teens 4 Good helps develop holistic young people realize that they have the power to create their future and become leaders that give back to the community.

Teens 4 Good sell their products to a diverse market. They sell produce onsite, to local ShopRites, to neighborhood restaurants, and to local community organizations. Since 2005, Teens 4 Good has established six urban farms across Philadelphia that provide over 8,000 pounds of produce to low-income neighborhoods with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Teens 4 Good has also been working on using the herbs from their gardens to create an organic iced tea. The youth are taking charge with this product, called True Leaf Tea. The teens are growing the herbs, developing a marketing plan and website, and even designing the bottle. Teens 4 Good is not just a foray into urban agriculture; it is complete immersion that has long-lasting and positive effects for the youth of Philadelphia.

“Feeling connected, feeling part of a family, and part of a movement to make a difference is why I stay involved.”

-Local Youth Participant

Check out more about Teens 4 Good at http://teens4good.orbius.com/.

http://teens4good.orbius.com/

http://teens4good.orbius.com/Urban-Farms.page

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jesse-bilger/farming-for-good-why-work_b_3780631.html

Written by Stacey Terlik