Cultivating Futures: Eugene's Youth Farm Expands Horizons

The rolling hills and vibrant autumn hues of Eugene, Oregon, set the stage for a transformative journey as the FOOD For Lane County's Youth Farm program embarks on a new chapter. Acquiring a larger property, the program aims to deepen its impact on the lives of local youth, fostering a connection to the land, community, and their own potential.

Empowering the Next Generation of Farmers and Leaders

Expanding Horizons: The Youth Farm's New Home

The Youth Farm program has found a new home, acquiring a 25-acre property in southeast Eugene. This expansion will provide ample space for the program to grow, both literally and figuratively. The new farm will offer youth participants the opportunity to steward a larger agricultural landscape, with plans for additional crop wash and pack stations, a new farm stand, greenhouses, and the potential to expand operations further. This transition marks a significant milestone for the program, as it prepares to relocate from its current 10-acre site in the Gateway area of Springfield by 2026.

Cultivating More than Crops: The Youth Farm's Holistic Approach

The Youth Farm program goes beyond simply teaching agricultural skills. It serves as a haven for teenagers, providing a respite from the stresses and distractions of modern life. Jen Anonia, the garden program manager, emphasizes the program's role in addressing the mental health challenges faced by many young people. "We know that depression and anxiety (rates) are really high in the teen population. They can just come out and do this really healthy activity where they're contributing to their community, they're helping the environment, they have positive relationships with all of the adult staff out there," Anonia explains. The program's holistic approach nurtures the overall well-being of its participants, fostering a sense of purpose, community, and connection to the natural world.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Farmers and Leaders

The Youth Farm program has a long-standing history of empowering young people, with 25 years of experience in sharing agricultural knowledge and business management skills. Ted Purdy, the Youth Farm Supervisor for the past 20 years, has witnessed the transformative impact of the program. "We've had some real neat examples where some of the people that started as youth working in high school, worked for us for a few years and left and we hired them back as staff. We've had a few examples of that and it's been just incredible to see that growth and the impact and it's just a great story," Purdy shares. The program's ability to nurture and retain talent is a testament to its enduring influence, as participants often return to the farm as adults, eager to contribute to the community that once shaped their own growth.

Bridging the Gap: Connecting Youth to the Land and Their Community

The Youth Farm program recognizes the importance of bridging the gap between youth and the local food system. "We live in one of the more abundant growing areas of the world, really. That said, even though there's an incredible diversity of farms in our area, there's still very little food that's consumed is grown locally," Purdy observes. By providing hands-on experiences in farming and food production, the program aims to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the local food landscape. This not only empowers the participants but also has the potential to create a ripple effect, inspiring others to engage with and support their local food systems.

Donor Support: Fueling the Youth Farm's Expansion and Impact

The acquisition and relocation of the Youth Farm were made possible through the generous support of donors. Rebecca Sprinson, the director of development for FOOD For Lane County, expresses her gratitude for the donors who have invested in this transformative project. "It's incredible," Sprinson says. "The experience of having donors connect with a project like this and believe in it with such enthusiasm and be partners in that way is just it's really what dreams are made of." This donor support has enabled the program to embark on its ambitious expansion, ensuring that the Youth Farm can continue to thrive and positively impact the lives of young people in the community.As the Youth Farm program embarks on this new chapter, the future looks bright. With the acquisition of the larger property, the program's ability to cultivate the next generation of farmers and leaders is poised to reach new heights. By fostering a deep connection to the land, promoting mental well-being, and empowering youth to become active participants in their local food system, the Youth Farm is transforming lives and shaping the future of sustainable agriculture in Eugene and beyond.